Income inequality in the EU15 and member countries

Abstract

This paper analyses the relative inequality of the personal income distribution in the EU15 and Member countries using the European Community Household Panel (1994–2001). We select well-known measures like the Gini and Atkinson indices and calculate the 95 percent confidence intervals. Whenever possible we identify unambiguous rankings; when this is not possible we explain the differences through their inequality sensitivity and normative meaning.

We find an important regional differences in income inequality when comparing Southern European countries with the Northern and Central European ones. In 2001, Southern Europe and the United Kingdom are the most unequal countries in spite of the fact that the majority of these countries enjoyed decreasing income inequality over the time period studied.

Citation

Troitiño Cobas, A. (2007), "Income inequality in the EU15 and member countries", Bishop, J. and Amiel, Y. (Ed.) Inequality and Poverty (Research on Economic Inequality, Vol. 14), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 119-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1049-2585(06)14006-5