Parallel regional convergence in Poland before and after EU accession

Abstract The purpose of the study is to analyze the dynamics of regional disparities on NUTS 2 level in Poland for the period 1990–2017 within the framework of sigma convergence. We focus in particular on comparing the patterns of regional convergence before and after EU accession, introducing the methodology of parallel sigma convergence. The results show that the Mazowieckie voivodeship grew much above the average in both the pre- and post-accession periods, while eastern regions lagged behind. EU accession did not have a significant impact on the pattern of internal sigma convergence in Poland. Disparities between regions were increasing at the same pace before and after 2004, despite significant resources having been allocated to cohesion-focused undertakings after EU accession, especially in lagging eastern regions.