Growth without development: institutional barriers to convergence in EU candidate states

This research analyzes the effect of institutions on economic growth in eight EU candidate transition countries, combining quantitative (β-convergence models) and qualitative (integration maturity framework) methodologies. Drawing on three sets of theories - convergence, institutional economics, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dzenita Siljak, Kristian L. Nielsen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi 2025-06-01
Series:Eastern Journal of European Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ejes.uaic.ro/articles/EJES2025_1601_02_SIJ.pdf
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Summary:This research analyzes the effect of institutions on economic growth in eight EU candidate transition countries, combining quantitative (β-convergence models) and qualitative (integration maturity framework) methodologies. Drawing on three sets of theories - convergence, institutional economics, and integration maturity - we analyze whether the transition countries have experienced growth without development. The research question is: Why have they lagged on their path towards EU membership? To answer this, we test the research hypothesis that institutions have not had a sufficient impact on the convergence of transition countries towards the EU. The analyzed period is 2004-2022. Countries with efficient institutions tend to experience faster economic growth. This research shows that inefficient institutions are a reason why transition countries have not seized their 'advantage of backwardness'.
ISSN:2068-651X
2068-6633