A novel hybrid decision support methodology for data-driven comparative analysis of EU macroeconomic performance
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECONOMICS, vol.29, no.1, pp.1-42, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 29 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/15140326.2026.2650888
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECONOMICS
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), ABI/INFORM, EconLit, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.1-42
- Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the macroeconomic performance of 24 European Union (EU) member countries for the period 2014–2023 using the data-driven Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach. In this context, an integrated weighting methodology combining Entropy and CRITIC techniques is applied together with Adaptive Standardized Intervals Based Alternative Ranking Technique (ARTASI) to ensure objectivity, stability and sensitivity in the analysis. In addition, in order to provide a comparative assessment of subjective and objective weightings in the study, opinions received from eight academicians who are experts in their fields are carried out with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. Evaluating countries across eight key indicators, the results demonstrate that integrating both weighting methods enhances the robustness of the rankings Malta, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Ireland generally show strong economic stability over the period considered, while Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Romania show the weakest weak performances.