Economic disparities between the regions of the European Union are of constant concern both for policy and economic research. In this paper, we examine whether there are overlapping trends of regional development in the EU: overall convergence, on the one hand, and persistent or even increasing...

This paper introduces the appropriate econometric methodology and statistical tests to evaluate the spatial and sectoral stability of the labour productivity convergence process of 145 European regions over 1975-2000. Our results display significant "&sgr;"-convergence only in aggregate labour...

This article estimates the effect of Spanish regional trade agencies abroad on exports using the gravity model. The results indicate that regional agencies increase trade. The estimated impact seems to be larger than that of Spanish embassies and consulates. Moreover, a disaggregated analysis...