Divergence Tendencies in the European Integration Process: A Danger for the Sustainability of the E(M)U?

32 Pages Posted: 26 Feb 2021

See all articles by Helmut Wagner

Helmut Wagner

University of Hagen (Fernuniversitaet Hagen)

Linda Glawe

FernUniversität in Hagen

Date Written: February 9, 2021

Abstract

The European integration process started with the aim of reducing the differences in income and/or living standards between the participating countries over time. To achieve this, a certain alignment of institutions and structures was seen as a necessary precondition. While the goal of this income and institutional convergence was successfully achieved over a long period of time, this convergence development has weakened or even turned into divergence in the last one to two decades. This paper presents empirical evidence for these convergence and divergence developments and develops policy implications (the challenges and possible ways out).

Keywords: European Integration Process, convergence dynamics, divergence, institutional quality, economic growth and economic development, European Union

JEL Classification: F55, O10, O11, O43, O52

Suggested Citation

Wagner, Helmut and Glawe, Linda, Divergence Tendencies in the European Integration Process: A Danger for the Sustainability of the E(M)U? (February 9, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3782742 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3782742

Helmut Wagner (Contact Author)

University of Hagen (Fernuniversitaet Hagen) ( email )

Universitätsstrasse 41
Feithstrathe 140
D-58084 Hagen
Germany
011-49-2331-987-2640 (Phone)
011-49-2331-987-391 (Fax)

Linda Glawe

FernUniversität in Hagen ( email )

Universitätsstr. 11 (TGZ)
Chair of Macroeconomics
58084 Hagen
Germany

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