Title: The impact of European enlargement on the direction and prospects of Brussels exports

Authors: Karolien De Bruyne; Jan Van Hove

Addresses: H.U. Brussel, Warmoesberg 26, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 69, 3000 Leuven, Belgium ' H.U. Brussel, Warmoesberg 26, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 69, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Abstract: Previous studies have argued that the enlargement of the European Union triggered a geographical reorientation and diversification in the exports by European Union member states, caused by a combination of trade creation and trade diversion. This paper adds to the existing literature, by analysing the export dynamics and potentials of a city rather than a country. It focuses on Brussels, the European capital. Our findings indicate that the new European Union member states became important destination markets for Brussels exports in recent years. Moreover, there appear to be large export potentials for Brussels products, in particular in Latin American and certain Asian markets. The export potentials within the European Union are more limited, although several new European Union member states are likely to become more important trading partners.

Keywords: European integration; Brussels; European Union; EU; cities; exports; trade creation; trade diversion; destination markets; export potential; trading partners.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2013.055704

International Journal of Public Policy, 2013 Vol.9 No.3, pp.188 - 214

Published online: 31 Jan 2014 *

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