Spatial disparities in economic structural change in Central and Eastern Europe during integration

Understanding the structural change in catching-up regions and the spatial distribution of economic sectors is essential for designing comprehensive policy strategies to promote balanced economic development. This study examines the economic restructuring of the 11 central and eastern European EU member states as they catch up with the more developed EU14. The study applies productivity metrics and the Theil index to assess geographical concentrations and explore spatial patterns of centre-(semi)periphery features. The results reveal significant structural changes in central and eastern European economies, with variations across different region types. The diversity of economic sectors in central and eastern European countries differs markedly from that in the EU14, influenced by market- and policy-related factors. Addressing these inequalities requires targeted efforts to mitigate territorial disparities in the age of twin transition challenges and geopolitical conflicts.