Progress on convergence in the socioeconomic area

Socioeconomic convergence is at the root of the European project, and the need to address social convergence alongside economic convergence has risen to the top of the European policy agenda in recent years. This policy brief provides an updated picture of convergence in selected socioeconomic indicators across the EU Member States and regions. The study finds that Member States are converging towards better socioeconomic conditions, notwithstanding the negative effects of the crisis, although income inequality across the EU population has increased. The brief also discusses a possible policy option for enhancing convergence, and avoiding divergence, within the EU – a European minimum wage.