. This paper examines convergence in per-capita GDP between CEE and the EU over the period 1990-2012 using parametric and … nonparametric methods. The results indicate initial divergence from the EU benchmark but strong convergence over the 2000s, even in …, revealing growing disparities within CEE. Human capital and economic reforms promoted convergence, while financial deepening and …

. Non-convergence traps are more likely when policies and institutions are endogenized, enabling beneficiaries of existing …