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Economic gains from the 2004 EU accession round

Author

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  • Beyer, Robert
  • Li, Claire Yi
  • Weber, Sebastian

Abstract

Employing a synthetic difference-in-difference estimator on regional data, we estimate that EU membership has increased per capita incomes by more than 30 percent, broadly in line with previous country-level estimates. While all regions that joined the EU benefited, we find substantial regional heterogeneity within countries. Regions with better financial access and stronger integration in value chains prior to accession benefited more from the new economic opportunities presented by the single market. Both capital accumulation and higher productivity contributed significantly, while employment effects were small. The estimated gains suggest that deep integration carries significant economic benefits, providing valuable lessons for future EU enlargement and regional integration efforts elsewhere.

Suggested Citation

  • Beyer, Robert & Li, Claire Yi & Weber, Sebastian, 2026. "Economic gains from the 2004 EU accession round," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:262:y:2026:i:c:s0165176526000613
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2026.112867
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    JEL classification:

    • E65 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Studies of Particular Policy Episodes
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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