European integration and quality of life: a comparative analysis of former soviet republics and CEE EU member states through the Lens of SDGs

This study examines multidimensional quality-of-life trajectories in CEE EU Member States and non-EU former Soviet republics, beyond economic growth alone. This work use a multidimensional approach based on the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals to evaluate the progress in the quality of life of 12 countries that were part of the Soviet Union but not members of the European Union along with 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe that entered the European Union (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania).In particular, the analysis focuses on the “Fair Distribution” group of SDGs, specifically, poverty reduction (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), health and well-being (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), reduction of inequalities (SDG 10), effective institutions (SDG 16), and global partnerships (SDG 17). These SDG Scores are immediately connected to the living conditions, subjective well-being, and individual opportunities. Indicators reflect the ability of societies to “protect capabilities for flourishing”. Utilizing a comparative statistical analysis approach during the years 2000 to 2022, we examine the differences in the trajectory of multidimensional quality of life among current CEE EU Member States and non-EU Former Soviet Republics. The results demonstrate a phenomenon of partial convergence among these two categories of countries during the years 2000 to 2022. The analysis on component level reveals that the biggest decreases in gap between the two categories were related to reduced inequalities and poverty, education, food security, and health. The findings suggest that European integration is associated with higher multidimensional well-being of citizens, although the magnitude and scope of these benefits vary across domains and countries.