In this paper, the process of productivity convergence is investigated for the enlarged European Union using regional (NUTS-2) data. The Solow model extended by human capital is employed as a workhorse. Alternative strategies are proposed to control for spatial effects. All specifications...

This paper investigates the relationship between volatility and economic growth in the European regions over the period 1995-2008. To that end, we estimate a two-way fixed effects panel data model using spatial econometric techniques that allow us to incorporate into the analysis the relevance...

Between 2003 and 2005, the German government passed an unprecedented package of labor market reforms, commonly known as the Hartz-reforms. This led to a "labor market miracle" with sharply declining unemployment rates. This paper examines these reforms at the regional level and provides a...