The Convergence Process in the EU Estimated by Gini Coefficients

At present, there is not an unique indicator to evaluate the converge process. Varying with the assumptions and methodologies considered, with the indicators used and with the periods analysed, the results of the studies on convergence in the European Union are often ambiguous. Some of them support the existence of convergence, others conclude that a convergence process is not yet demonstrated and some authors point out that there is a divergence process. Using the Lorenz curve model and estimating on its basis Gini coefficients for the last decade we demonstrated in this study a significant convergence process in the EU, despite the negative impact of the actual crisis. However, the differences in matter of convergence emerge at the level groups of countries. Thus, while in EU-10 (recently joined countries to the EU) a strong convergence is visible, in EU-15 (old members of EU) a significant trend of divergence was demonstrated.