Merler, Silvia, (2016), “Income convergence during the crisis: did EU funds provide a buffer?”, Bruegel, 10 November
Economic convergence is at the heart of European Union integration. Cohesion policy was born in the 1980s with the aim of complementing the creation of a single European market and fostering the economic development of less advantaged EU regions. This objective is especially relevant in light of the economic crisis that has exacted a heavy toll on many EU countries and regions, and created scepticism about the merits of EU policies.
In a recent paper, I look at how income convergence evolved in EU regions during the crisis, and assess the role played by the EU funds that are provided to the more disadvantaged regions with the aim of facilitating their convergence to average EU income levels. I find that EU funds did play an important role in limiting the hit of the crisis on regional income, providing an anchor for convergence.
Relevant Posts
- Goedemé, Tim, Collado, Diego, (2016), “The EU Convergence Machine at Work. To the Benefit of the EU’s Poorest Citizens?”, Journal of Common Market Studies, 6 April
- Skouras, Thanos, (2016), “Correcting The Euro’s Flawed Architecture Demands A Focus On Competitiveness Rather Than Productivity”, Social Europe, 1 November