ABSTRACT
Cohesion is usually measured with its negative; the lack of cohesion, in turn measured by the size of disparities. So the development over time of the degree of cohesion and thereby the answer to the key policy question: Has cohesion been improved or has it deteriorated? is usually measured by the development of the disparity in wealth levels between member countries, social groups and regions. Wealth also is an elusive concept. Many indicators have been tried out to measure it. They all have certain advantages and disadvantages. We will use GDP/P levels, the most usual indicator. So cohesion is said to improve in case disparities in GDP/P levels decrease and vice versa. The analysis will allow us to answer at a later stage two questions:
1 Which are the type of regions that show a poor situation with respect to the EU mean or a poor performance in terms of convergence and hence where policy action is needed?
