Regional economic development in Central and Eastern Europe: A comparative analysis of convergence trends and institutional drivers

This paper investigates the regional economic development patterns in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with a particular focus on convergence dynamics and institutional quality. By employing a panel data approach and theoretical modeling, we analyze how institutional factors such as governance effectiveness, corruption control, and EU integration policies affect regional disparities and convergence. Using data from 2000 to 2022 across selected CEE countries, the study identifies key mechanisms that either promote or hinder regional cohesion. The results reveal a mixed convergence pattern, where certain regions demonstrate robust growth trajectories, while others remain trapped in a low-income equilibrium. Our findings suggest that institutional quality plays a mediating role in regional economic development and should be prioritized in national policy strategies. This study contributes to the ongoing academic and policy debates on post-transition regional development in the European periphery.