Upward convergence in employment and socioeconomic factors

The report investigates upward socioeconomic and employment-related convergence using a set of 21 indicators, most of which are part of the Social Scoreboard of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The report is organised in three main parts: first, upward convergence is investigated at the European level, with a distinction made between countries that are in the euro zone and those that are not. Next, some selected indicators are investigated at the regional level, and factors influencing convergence are discussed. Finally, the role of two possible policy initiatives – the European unemployment insurance (EUI) scheme and the European minimum wage (EMW) policy – are discussed and assessed in terms of how well they promote convergence.