Integration and conditional convergence in the enlarged EU area

Using pooled mean-group estimation we first analyse conditional convergence in the EU15 area in 1960-2002. Conditional convergence is well documented for the EU15 countries and deeper European integration is mostly shown to have fastened convergence. Also higher investment, lower public consumption and lower inflation have increased GDP growth. Then we apply the same method in order to estimate the conditional convergence of the new EU member countries of Central and Eastern Europe towards the average of the EU15 countries since 1993. The CEE8 countries are shown to have converged conditionally towards the EU15 countries’ average level of GDP per labour force.