EuroEconomica, Vol 33, No 1 (2014)

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess the economic convergence in European Union (EU-28) using a frequent approach in literature based on Gini coefficients, Lorernz curve and Theil’s index. On the other hand, the entropy approach is quite new in the convergence field, but the results are relevant. The assumption of economic convergence is confirmed for EU-28 in 2003-2012. According to Gini coefficient values the degree of concentration has decreased on the analyzed period, but there is an insignificant decrease in 2012 compared to 2003. The value of Theil’s index also confirmed the convergence. In the convergence analysis the increase in entropy translates into an emphasis of divergence process. In 2012 the entropy is lower than the value of entropy in 2003, the convergence being more relevant in 2012 compared to 2003.