Integration of the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) into the European Union (EU) has become more a question of timing than a question whether it will or should be made. Since one of the objectives of the EU is to establish a system ensuring competition in the internal market is not distorted the question arises if the CEECs can be integrated into such a competitive system. Which rules of competition are appropriate to improve the economic integration of the CEECs and to promote at the same time the enduring transition process? The relationship between competition policy and East-West integration is the general theme of the contributions in this book. One central issue of this volume is the way of integrating the Central and East European countries into the EU and supporting their development by liberalizing trade with the EU. A second issue is the implementation of a market economy in the post-socialist countries of Eastern Europe and in particular the aspect of implementing competition rules at a time when markets are just emerging. The twelve selected papers are organized in three sections: -Competition Policy and Integration (part 1); -Competition Policy During Transition (part 2); -Competition, Trade Policy and East-West-Integration (part 3).

This book focuses closely on the European experience both in terms of the Europe Agreements signed between each of the CEECs, eastern European countries, and the EU; and at how trade policy institutions may be designed. The book is designed to help both emerging countries and students develop sound economic trade policies.

A combination of rigorous analysis and case material; this book is an essential guide to trade and industry developments in Central and Eastern Europe. Its scope encompasses globalization, the business strategies of MNCs, agriculture, services and the dynamics of innovation. It also considers the trading relationships of these countries with Russia as well as the influence of trade on the democratization of states formerly belonging to the USSR.

This book examines the evolution of trade and trade patterns in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and assesses the implications of these patterns on structural change and economic development within transition economies. Taking the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 as a starting point, the authors discuss the transition of former communist CEE countries from centrally planned to market-driven economies, arguing that trade was the primary engine for the economic growth and transition process they experienced. The chapters in this book incorporate the results of previous studies – some of which are based on original research conducted by the authors – dedicated to the integration process of international and European trade. More importantly, the authors look at the broader aspects of structural change and economic development, indeed the whole process of economic transformation. Thus, the book moves well beyond the core ‘trade and growth’ framework to look at technological progress, foreign investment, institutional development and structural change in Central and Eastern European countries.

In less developed countries (LDCs) there is considerable concern that the developments in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) may lead to a more inward looking European Union (EU). As EU trade, foreign investment and aid flows are diverted from LDCs towards the CEECs, close neighbours of the EU, a new dimension would be added to 'fortress Europe'. This volume consists of 11 chapters by scholars from the EU, the CEECs and LDCs. Each paper is discussed in terms of its policy relevance by a policy maker as well as by an academic specializing in the field. In the opening chapter we aim to do justice to the discussion during the Workshop in Rotterdam in May 1994 at which preliminary versions of all chapters were presented. Edited versions of the interventions by the policy makers and experts are included as far as possible after the chapters. A summary of the discussion is presented in the concluding remarks by Rolf Langhammer. The opinions expressed in this volume are those of the authors and not necessarily of their organizations. The editors XXI Foreword I am glad the first meeting of this network is on the developing country dimension of pan-European integration, for two reasons. Firstly, politi cal and economic liberalization in Central and Eastern Europe makes it possible, even necessary, to discuss such an issue.