Integration Profiles in the European Union: A Composite-Indicator Approach

A Novel Perspective

  • Ferenc Kollárik Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem Globális Tanulmányok Intézet, Világgazdasági Tanszék
  • Oleg Tankovsky Nemzeti Közszolgálati Egyetem Közgazdaságtani és Nemzetközi Gazdaságtani Tanszék
  • Sándor Gyula Nagy Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem Globális Tanulmányok Intézet Világgazdasági Tanszék
Keywords: European integration, composite index, principal component analysis, convergence, integration profiles

Abstract

While the European Union (EU) has evolved into the world’s most advanced and complex form of regional integration, significant disparities persist among Member States in terms of their integration performance (integration profiles). The degree of integration represents a long-term process that extends far beyond the mere fulfillment of accession criteria. Measuring this process, however, is inherently complex, requiring the simultaneous and comprehensive assessment of multiple socio-economic and political dimensions. Accordingly, this study examines the long-term integration performance of EU Member States through a composite indicator. The aim of the research is twofold: first, to identify the long-term trends in Member States’ integration trajectories; and second, to uncover the underlying patterns that define their integration profiles.

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Published
2026-04-20
How to Cite
KollárikF., TankovskyO., & NagyS. G. (2026). Integration Profiles in the European Union: A Composite-Indicator Approach: A Novel Perspective. Hungarian Economic Review, 73(4), 405–419. https://doi.org/10.18414/KSZ.2026.4.405
Section
Tanulmány