Does EU Membership Facilitate Convergence? The Experience of the EU's Eastern Enlargement - Volume II: Channels of Interaction

This edited volume analyzes how EU membership has contributed to the convergence process of member countries in the Baltics, Central-Eastern and South-Eastern Europe through trade, investment, finance, labor, and laws and institutions. It explores whether these countries have experienced more intensive integration through these channels than their fundamentals and global trends would suggest.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 337 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume delves into the intricate pathways through which EU membership has played a pivotal role in fostering convergence among member countries in the Baltics, Central-Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe. These channels encompass a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, finance, labor, and laws and institutions. While global integration has undoubtedly played a significant role, it is crucial to examine whether these countries have undergone more intensive integration through these channels due to their EU membership, characterized by its stronger institutional and political anchorage, compared to their fundamental characteristics and global trends.

Contributions from esteemed lead researchers in the field shed light on various facets of this critical inquiry. They explore the impact of EU membership on trade relations, investment patterns, financial integration, labor markets, and legal frameworks, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics driving convergence in these regions.

One key aspect examined is whether EU membership has facilitated the creation of a single market within the region, enabling easier trade flows and promoting economic interdependence. The chapter explores the challenges and opportunities arising from the establishment of the European Single Market, including the impact on industries, businesses, and consumers.

Another important dimension is the role of EU funding and investment in fostering convergence. The volume discusses the various EU-funded projects and initiatives aimed at promoting infrastructure development, economic growth, and social cohesion in the region. It examines the effectiveness of these investments in addressing regional disparities, promoting innovation, and fostering sustainable development.

Furthermore, the book explores the impact of EU membership on financial integration and stability. The chapter examines the development of financial markets, the establishment of financial institutions, and the implementation of financial regulations in the region. It assesses whether the EU's financial integration framework has contributed to the stability and resilience of the financial systems in the Baltics, Central-Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe.

Labor markets are another critical area of analysis. The chapter examines the changes in labor markets, including the emergence of new sectors, the shift in employment patterns, and the impact of migration on labor markets. It explores the role of EU policies in promoting labor mobility, social protection, and skills development, and assesses whether these policies have contributed to the convergence of labor markets in the region.

Legal frameworks are also examined in the volume. The chapter discusses the development of common legal standards, the establishment of judicial institutions, and the enforcement of laws in the region. It assesses whether the EU's legal framework has facilitated the harmonization of legal systems, promoted legal certainty, and facilitated cross-border trade and investment.

In conclusion, this edited volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the channels through which EU membership has contributed to the convergence process of member countries in the Baltics, Central-Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe. It sheds light on the complex interplay between global integration, institutional anchorage, and national characteristics, offering valuable insights into the dynamics driving convergence in these regions. The contributions by lead researchers provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, contributing to our understanding of the EU's role in shaping the economic and social landscape of the region.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030577049
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021