The impact of convergence of inequalities in the European Union since 2004

Abstract

On the basis of a complex methodology,the study shows that territorial disparities in the European Union have been decreasing since 2004, and, at the same time, examines the claim that the intense development and convergence of countries go hand in hand with regional divergences within these countries (at NUTS2 level). The results show that convergence occurred mainly during the recovery phases between crises causing significant downturns, and the development and catching-up tendencies of convergence countries have also contributed to that. While inequalities have been reduced in the EU, there seem to be increasing gaps between countries and regions, with the top performing better and better, while other countries and regions are becoming poorer compared to the average. When examining regional disparities within countries, divergence was mainly found in convergence countries and above- average performers achieving outstanding development.