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Becoming member of the European Union: What is the relationship with the robbery rate?

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  • Aldo Pignataro

    (Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA))

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the relationship between becoming member of the European Union and the robbery rate. Participating in illegal activities is considered as a consequence of a rational decision under uncertainty. Becoming a member of the European Union entails an improvement in the effectiveness of the police forces and an increase of the awaited welfare. This may affect the individual decision of committing a crime. Using national data from the Eurostat database, through a standard panel data analysis, an empirical evidence is provided, considering 12 countries that became members of the European Union between 1995 and 2012. Entering the European Union is negatively and significantly related with countries’ robbery rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Aldo Pignataro, 2021. "Becoming member of the European Union: What is the relationship with the robbery rate?," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 48(2), pages 533-558, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:empiri:v:48:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10663-020-09486-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10663-020-09486-2
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    European Union; Robbery rate; Panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law

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