Regional Convergence in the European Union

The introduction of the single currency in the European economic space constitutes without doubt the most visible step towards monetary and economic integration in the EU. Those who boosted the birth of the Common Market in 1957 dreamt that this would one day come about as a logical consequence of the integration process. However, things have gone much more slowly than possibly imagined, although if taken in an adequate historic perspective, it is undeniable that the agreements that have led to European Monetary Union signify a really formidable jump in the process of political and economic integration in Europe. This is something many doubted would ever happen, but which is already a reality, although still in need of a period of consolidation. The most general economic consequences of the EMU have already been analysed in considerable depth. Proof of this is the literature already available. In general, there is coincidence in affirming that the balance of the results expected is clearly positive. Firstly, as a result of the anticipated gains in efficiency, a consequence of reduction of transaction costs associated to the previous existence of different currencies and of the elimination of exchange rate uncertainties.

Original and special focus on the effects of the EMU on disparities and convergence in the EU Theoretical and empirical approach Innovative contribution to one of the most and most controversially discussed field in Europe Up-to-date figures and tables according to the European data bases on regional economies Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Klappentext

Why are some regions in the European Union 'winners'of economic integration? And why are others 'losers'? This book explores these important questions and examines the relationship between economic integration, regional convergence, and divergence. In doing so it gives an overview of the most recent evolution of regional disparities in the EU. Central and peripheral regions are analysed as well as those in a re-conversion economic process. The authors address the question of whether regions tend to converge or not from different points of view. They particularly assess the impact of the Monetary Union on regional economies from theoretical and empirical approaches. Other important aspects covered include: the European regional policy, the effects of structural funds and the reforms needed. No doubt, this is an excellent book for anybody interested in learning more about regional trends and prospects in an increasingly integrated world.

Inhalt
1 Regional Disparities and Regional Convergence Problems in the EMU: Introduction.- I: Regional Convergence, the EMU and Enlargement Effects.- 2 Regional Dynamics in the European Union: Winners and Losers.- 3 Regional Specialisation and Concentration in the EU.- 4 EMU and the Industrial Specialisation of European Regions.- 5 Regional Asymmetric Reactions to Shocks in EMU: an Assessment of Different Approaches.- 6 The Territorial Redistributive Power of the EU Budget: Empirical Evidence at National and Regional Level.- 7 Regional Cohesion in an Enlarged European Union: an Analysis of Interregional Specialization and Integration.- 8 Real Competitive Advantages in the Single Currency Europe.- II: Regional Disparities: Trends, Prospects and the Role of Regional Policy.- 9 National and Spatial Factors in EU Regional Convergence.- 10 The Spatial Economic Impact of Euroland and the Implications for Policy.- 11 European Union Regional Policy: Reconciling the Convergence and Evaluation Evidence.- 12 Technological Diffusion, Spatial Spillovers and Regional Convergence in Europe.- 13 Will the New EU Regional Policy Meet the Challenges of Enlargement?.- 14 The EMU and Regional Policy Agenda: a General Exploration.- 15 EMU and Regional Labor Market Diparities in Euroland.- List of Figures.- List of Tables.- Author Index.- List of Contributors.