Preliminary analysis of price data

Price comparisons are good indicators of integration and market performance. If the Internal Market is functioning efficiently, the free circulation of goods and services should ensure that the prices paid do not differ greatly from country to country. As a follow up to previous exercises on monitoring and benchmarking price differences in the Internal Market, DG Markt commissioned a survey of the prices of 82 products in 14 EU Member States over a period of three years. Ultimately, the objective of the exercise is to investigate price differences within the European Union and to understand the limits of, or barriers to, price convergence. This working paper2 discusses the analysis performed to date on the new data set and should be regarded as 'a work in progress'. DG Markt intends to publish a more detailed paper at a later date.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/internal_market/score/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/internal_market/score/index_en.htm

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