Economic integration in East Asia and Europe: lessons from a comparative analysis

This paper compares the economic integration processes of the European Union and the East Asian nations and comments on the possible reciprocal lessons, if any, that can be drawn to smooth the future paths of the two groups. The most relevant lessons on the EU side rely on strong institutionalization, structural policies, and the monetary union. Lessons from East Asia can be found in regional production networks, trade patterns, and the recent developments in financial cooperation. Both entities are presently facing difficult challenges to progress and growth.