Convergence examinations in the European Union

In this paper I examine the issue of convergence and divergence within the enlarged European Union both at national and regional level in the aspect of the GDP per capita (PPS). My objective is to find and point out evidence on sigma-and beta-convergence in an empirical way among the member states and regions under the period of 1995-2006. Using descriptive statistic methods in my examinations I prove the sigma-and absolute beta-convergence hypothesis, which were coined by Barro and Sala-i-Martin and refer to the negative correlation between the initial levels of real GDP per capita and its average yearly growth rate without conditioning. Those countries with lower GDP per capita perform higher growth rate than those countries with the higher one, just because they are poorer. Although the dispersion in income is higher at regional level because of the territorial disparities the standard deviation is lower. Despite of it the convergence is much more conspicouos at national level, certainly.