Call to Europe: Convergence for a Stronger Europe

So far, convergence in the EU has been more of an abstract goal constantly put off into an undefined future, rather than a real and robust force bringing societies and economies closer. This is not to deny tangible achievements made after “Southern” and “Eastern” enlargements. Still, two axes exist: South-North division between debtor and creditor countries and the East-West cleavage between low-wage and high-value-added economies. The upcoming reforms to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), to cohesion policy and the EU budget require ambitious institutional changes to generate more convergence, e.g. a robust “social dimension” and sufficient financing for a forward-looking industrial transformation. Finding new resources for convergence and well-targeted investment is indispensable for success. How can the EU governance be reformed to bolster development in rural areas? How can European integration deliver a fairer market with upgraded working conditions for all?

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