Convergence and Divergence in the European Union for New Member States.

The objective of the article is to investigate the phenomenon of economic convergence across the new member states of the European Union, over the period 2000-2010. A significant aspect is considered to be whether convergence is the general rule, applicable to different countries, or whether in reality convergence and divergence coexist across different periods of time and different countries. An important aspect of the analysis is to single out several main drivers behind economic convergence and the relationships between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]