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The European Enlargement Process and Regional Convergence Revisited: Spatial Effects Still Matter

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  • Nicolas Debarsy
  • Cem Ertur

Abstract

This paper has two main goals. First, it reconsiders regional growth and convergence processes in the context of the enlargement of the European Union to new member states. We show that spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity still matter in a sample of 237 regions over the period 1993-2002. Spatial convergence clubs are defined using exploratory spatial data analysis and a spatial autoregressive model is estimated. We find strong evidence that the growth rate of per capita GDP for a given region is positively affected by the growth rate of neighbouring regions. The second objective is to test the robustness of the results with respect to non-normality, outliers and heteroskedasticity using two other methods: The quasi maximum Likelihood and the Bayesian estimation methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Debarsy & Cem Ertur, 2006. "The European Enlargement Process and Regional Convergence Revisited: Spatial Effects Still Matter," ERSA conference papers ersa06p198, European Regional Science Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa06p198
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    File URL: https://www-sre.wu.ac.at/ersa/ersaconfs/ersa06/papers/198.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Chiara Del Bo & Massimo Florio & Giancarlo Manzi, 2010. "Regional Infrastructure and Convergence: Growth Implications in a Spatial Framework," Transition Studies Review, Springer;Central Eastern European University Network (CEEUN), vol. 17(3), pages 475-493, September.
    3. Meunier, Olivier & Mignolet , Michel & Mulquin, Marie-Eve, 2007. "Interpersonal transfers: Do they impact the growth of poor and rich European regions?," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 10, pages 155-170.
    4. Roberto Ezcurra & Manuel Rapún, 2007. "Regional Dynamics And Convergence Profiles In The Enlarged European Union: A Non‐Parametric Approach," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 98(5), pages 564-584, December.

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