Convergence in European cross-border structures: the case of Spanish euroregions

Abstract

European border regions are considered to be laboratories of the European integration. However, it is not clear whether that integration is an indicator of convergence between the regions, since it can result from similarities as well as from existing differences between border regions. This paper studies the processes of σ, β and spatial convergence in the particular case of the Euroregions, mixed territories with (international) border and non-border regions, with the aim of determining whether the intense cooperation relationships that occur in these particular structures stimulate the convergence as well as contribute to the levelling of the economic inequalities within the Euroregion. Specifically, we focus on the Spanish Euroregions, to analyze how the inherent differences between the border countries could determine the presence or absence of convergence in the Euroregions. The results show that convergence is achieved in the Spanish Euroregions that share a border with Portugal but not in those bordering France.