Comparison of Logistics Performance Index Development Among EU Member States

This paper deals with a performance analysis and classification of EU member states based on their Logistics Performance Index (LPI) published by the World Bank. Our study covers 2010 to 2023 with 117 countries evaluated. The goal is to analyse, classify and compare countries based on their LPI scores using cluster analysis with parametric and non-parametric measures. Parametric measures include the mean LPI score, average growth, and linear trend slope. The focus is especially on the differences between EU member countries. For non-parametric measures, we used the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). This novel approach uses clustering based on the’ long-term development of LPI scores and MPI. The classification highlights three distinct clusters: “Struggling Performers,” “Improvers with Moderate Performance,” and “Rapid Advancers.” The paper confirms that older EU members have mostly stable logistics, but are less influenced by recent growth. It also shows that sustained improvement over time is a key driver of better logistics performance in the newer EU members. In addition, it was found that countries still in the catch-up phase tend to have lower current performance.