Tag: economic crisis

THE IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN THE PROCESS OF CONVERGENCE OF THE GREEK REGIONS

Panagiotis KOUDOUMAKIS

Dr. Civil Engineer, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

pkoudoum@civil.duth.gr

George BOTZORIS

Assistant Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

gbotzori@civil.duth.gr

Angelos PROTOPAPAS

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

aproto@civil.duth.gr

Vassilios PROFILLIDIS

Professor, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), Department of Civil Engineering, Greece

vprofill@civil.duth.gr

Abstract

In this paper, the impact of the economic crisis on the convergence of the Greek region’s economy to the European average is examined. In particular, it is being considered the condition of absolute β-convergence using the econometric model of Barro and Sala-i-Martin. The dependent variable was represented by the average value of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Purchasing Power Standards (PPS). Additionally the hypothesis of the σ-convergence of the regions of the EU and Greece is being considered, based on the coefficient of variation weighted by population. The results of both absolute β-convergence and σ-convergence suggest a declining trend of convergence and persistence of inequalities for the regions of the EU, following the outbreak of 2008 economic crisis. Regarding the regions of Greece, the results indicate, on the one hand, their deviation from the average income of the regions of the EU and, on the other, a significant increase in the regional disparities in the period 2000-2016.

Keywords: Convergence, Disparities, Economic Crisis, Regions

JEL classification: O41, R11, R12
read more

ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE POST-MEMORANDUM GREECE Changes and constants in a chronic phenomenon

Nikolaos YOYAS

Architect NTUA, Msc Environmental Design, Urban Planning PHD Candidate

01@yio.gr

Abstract

The ¨stirring¨ of the problem of illegal constructions in Greece, during the last decade, that followed the issue of five consecutive laws regarding their integration in the country΄s official urban planning in the period 2009-2017, has led to a short-lived race of declaring and legitimizing illegal, constructions on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of popular owners. This institutional reform becomes, increasingly, significant in combination with the contemporary fiscal reform and the relevant tax burdening of realty owners. The timeless popular investment shelter of building ownership, for the first time after WWII, loses its immunity and becomes an unbearable tax weight, transforming popular illegal constructions into the national tool for transforming the country΄s real-estate map. Our ability to translate the outcome of this ¨crisis¨, through our route through all the past time, will define the quality of life in our new urban environment, but most important, our own standard of living and our future.

Keywords: Illegal constructions, urban planning, economic crisis

JEL classification: R0, R5
read more

SPATIAL VARIATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CHANGE IN GREECE OVER THE EARLY-CRISIS PERIOD (2008-2011)

Dimitris KALLIORAS

University of Thessaly, Department of Planning and Regional Development, Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, tel: 0030 24210 74484
dkallior@uth.gr
(Corresponding author)

Maria TSIAPA

University of Thessaly, Department of Planning and Regional Development
mtsiapa@uth.gr

Spyridon ZAPANTIS

University of Thessaly, Department of Planning and Regional Development
szapantis@uth.gr

Abstract

Towards conceptualizing and understanding the spatial impact of the contemporary economic crisis, the paper scrutinizes the spatial variations of employment change in Greece. To this end, the paper employs a trade-adjusted shift-share analysis; a shift-share formulation accounting for employment changes resulting from changes in exports, imports and domestic demand. Trade-adjusted shift-share analysis is employed against the backdrop of the world economy, on the basis of employment data that refer to NACE Rev. 2 aggregation sectoral levels and to NUTS II spatial level, and covers the early-crisis period (2008-2011). The results obtained highlight the negative national effect component as an outcome of the shocks and the upsets that the Greek economy has suffered. The industry mix component and the competitive shift component are positive only for specific regions and sectors. Particularly, for the industry mix component it comes that all Greek regions specialize in sectors that, at the national level, are export-declining and import-declining and experience labor productivity losses.

Keywords: economic crisis, employment change, Greek regions, trade-adjusted shift-share analysis

JEL classification: C10, F10, L16, R11, R12
read more