EUROPE – BETWEEN CULTURE AND INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Dr. Veselin Vasilev, Cand. soc., Todor Belenski
Abstract
The aim of the report is to stir up academic discussion on the current political determinants in the European Union. Set around the juxtaposition of the two classic texts on whether national economic growth is based on cultural or solely institutional factors – “Does culture affect economic outcomes?” by Guiso, Sapienza, Zingales and “Institutions as a fundamental cause of long-run growth” by Robinson, Acemoglu and Johnson, the report is using the strong polemics of both articles. The report additionally fits examples of national economies across the EU to test the frameworks of both articles and to initiate further discussion.