Central & Eastern European Countries & the European Union

The accession of ten new members to the European Union on May 1st 2004 is among the most significant developments in the history of European integration. Based upon studies conducted by the European Forecasting Network, this book analyses key aspects of the impact of this recent enlargement with reference to eight of the ten new Member States, namely the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs). It demonstrates that the enlargement could have profound consequences on both the new Member States and on the pre-accession members of the Union, given the unparalleled magnitude of the enlargement, the fact that the CEECs have levels of prosperity and economic development well below the Union average, and their history of participation in centrally planned regimes. The contributions examine regional policy, the debate about accession to the EMU, the macroeconomic trajectories of the Central and Eastern European economies to date and their likely future development. • Highly topical analysis of the economic impact of the 2004 EU enlargement • Comprehensive overview from a thematic perspective • Provides a wealth of background material on the economies of the Central and Eastern European countries'The economic impacts of the recent enlargement of the European Union on both old and new member states have come to the forefront of political debate across Europe. This timely volume brings clear-headed depth to the subject, with its valuable and well-grounded analyses that draw on state-of-the art research by an international team of economists.' Helen Wallace, Director, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute'This is a very useful book, containing a wealth of facts and insightful analysis on the economic structure of Central and Eastern European countries. I am sure the book will become standard reference for the policy discussion on how to respond to the challenges that these countries are facing with membership of the European Union and the European Monetary Union.' Lucrezia Reichlin, Director General Research, European Central Bank'This book presents a thorough analysis of some of the most pertinent issues in the process of economic integration of the recently acceded Member States. It is a very timely and welcome contribution in a research area of high policy relevance.' Juergen Kroeger, European Commission