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Baldwin versus Cecchini revisited: the growth impact of the European Single Market

Author

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  • Jonne Lehtimäki

    (University of Turku)

  • David Sondermann

    (European Central Bank)

Abstract

The European Single Market created a common market for millions of Europeans. However, 30 years after its introduction, it appears that the benefits of the common European project are occasionally being questioned at least by some parts of the population. Others, by contrast, strive for deeper integration. Against this background, we empirically gauge the growth effect that arose from the Single Market. Using the synthetic control method, we establish the growth premium for the Single Market overall and for its founding members. Broadly in line with the predictions made by Richard Baldwin at the onset of the Single Market project, we find significantly higher real GDP per capita for the overall Single Market area of around 12–22 %. In comparison, smaller EU Member States seem to have benefited somewhat more compared to larger countries. The estimated growth effects underline the case for further deepening and broadening the Single Market where possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonne Lehtimäki & David Sondermann, 2022. "Baldwin versus Cecchini revisited: the growth impact of the European Single Market," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 63(2), pages 603-635, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:63:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s00181-021-02161-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-021-02161-w
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    3. König, Jörg, 2023. "75 Jahre Soziale Marktwirtschaft und 30 Jahre Europäischer Binnenmarkt: Ausgangsbasis für weiteren Erfolg," Argumente zur Marktwirtschaft und Politik 169, Stiftung Marktwirtschaft / The Market Economy Foundation, Berlin.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Single Market; Economic growth; Synthetic control method;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • N14 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: 1913-

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