Article

 

TESTING FOR REAL CONVERGENCE IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY/UNION 
 
by
 
D. Giannias, University of Crete
G. Manolas, University of Crete
P. Liargovas, University of Crete
 
JEL classification : I310, R580, R590
 
Abstract
The article evaluates empirically the process of convergence across countries in the European Community between 1970 and 1990. Convergence here is taken to imply not only economic convergence, but also convergence in the quality of life between EU member states. It is confirmed that real convergence was achieved between 1970-75 for most of the countries. Convergence stagnated between 1980-85 and then it increased. Southern European member states exhibit similar patterns.