Regional Economic, Social, and Healthcare Disparities Among the European Union Member States*

Małgorzata Stefania Lewandowska, Arkadiusz Michał Kowalski, Dawid Majcherek and Scott Hegerty

A chapter in Economic Development and Resilience by EU Member States, 2024, vol. 115, pp 47-66 from Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract: Purpose:The objective of this chapter is to provide an international comparative analysis of the economic, social and healthcare inequalities in the European Union (EU) from the perspective of 13 EU member states (EU-13) that have joined the union in 2004, 2007, and 2013. Need for study: Significant disparities exist in the development levels among various regions and countries in the EU. Methodology: The study compares EU-13, PIGS countries (Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain), and EU-10 over the last 20 years, focussing on income competitiveness, unemployment rates, employment structures in services, industry, and agriculture, and social and healthcare disparities. Data on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, internet access, and unmet medical needs are also analysed. The Summary Innovation Index (SII) is dynamically analysed to determine the key factors of international competitiveness, including innovation. Findings: Employment in agriculture in EU-13 countries is five times higher than in EU-10 countries, and income gaps persist between the two regions. However, EU-13 is closing these gaps with PIGS countries. Digitalisation has improved, and there are no visible disparities in internet access. The Human Development Index and unmet healthcare needs are diminishing. Performance groups, such as Innovation Leaders and Strong Innovators, are dispersed across Europe. Practical implications: This study offers a new research agenda for critically investigating economic, social, and healthcare inequality topics, which are of crucial importance. The findings may serve as the foundation for future cohesion policy development in order to maximise its effectiveness in achieving the EU’s integrity.

Keywords: EU-13; PIGS; EU-10; economic disparity; social disparity; healthcare; convergence; F15; F63; I14; I15; J00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:csefzz:s1569-375920240000115004

DOI: 10.1108/S1569-375920240000115004

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