Different convergence rates of new EU member states: Panel data analysis of the causes

Abstract

This paper, using panel data analysis, tries to identify factors regarding the different convergence rates of CESEE EU member countries’ real income between 2002 and 2018. Stylized convergence facts are identified and the drivers of economic growth based on production function, i.e. the accumulation of labour and capital and total factor productivity (TFP) growth have been analysed. Moreover, paper takes into account other variables that have been recognized as growth determining factors – trade openness, FDI, labour market and integration level, as well as TFP determining factors – institutional quality, innovation and human capital. Based on the research results trade openness and gross capital formation have been identified as key factors regarding real income growth of analysed countries. Also, it has been confirmed that growth of CESEE countries is strongly affected by the growth of Eurozone. Finally, the authors’ conclusion is that several CESEE countries are facing institutional convergence challenges.