DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIES: GROWTH LEADERS AND STRUCTURAL DISPARITIES

Abstract

The article investigates the structural differentiation of European economies under conditions of uneven growth and ongoing economic transformation within the European economic space. The research applies a differential diagnostic approach to the comparative analysis of national economies, which enables the identification of growth leaders, structural disparities, and convergence potential among selected European countries. The study focuses on the economies of Germany, France, Italy, and Poland as representatives of different development models within the European Union, reflecting both core and convergence-type economies.

The findings demonstrate that, despite institutional unity, the European Union is characterized by increasing heterogeneity in growth dynamics, investment activity, and macroeconomic indicators. Core EU economies maintain a high level of development but exhibit relatively moderate economic growth, while certain Central and Eastern European countries demonstrate stronger growth potential and more dynamic investment performance. Poland is identified as one of the key growth leaders in the region, supported by stable GDP growth, active investment policies, diversified production structures, and deep integration into European value chains. These trends indicate a gradual shift of regional growth centers within Europe.

In addition, the article provides a comparative analysis of the Polish and Ukrainian economies in order to assess the prospects for economic convergence in the context of post-2022 structural transformation. The Ukrainian economy has undergone significant structural changes affecting production, investment flows, and foreign economic relations. However, intensified integration with the European Union and reconstruction-oriented reforms create preconditions for structural modernization and medium-term convergence. The comparison allows the identification of key factors influencing convergence processes, including institutional stability, investment capacity, economic diversification, and infrastructure development.

The application of the differential diagnostic framework contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of economic disparities and convergence processes within Europe and offers practical implications for assessing the modernization trajectories of transformation-type economies.