Written by an expert in Soviet and Eastern European affairs, it is designed to assist business professionals in making informed decisions about investment and joint ventures in Eastern Europe. A wealth of information, much of it previously suppressed by the former Soviet government, covers all important political, geopolitical, economic, cultural and historical issues in Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria.

As political walls tumble and economic barriers disappear, the number of new opportunities for doing business with Eastern Europe's emerging capitalists are soaring. Overseas business specialist Engholm profiles Eastern Europe's markets and includes negotiating strategies and more. Illustrations.

Eight central and eastern European countries--the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic, and Slovenia--officially joined the European Union (EU) in May 2004. This auspicious milestone marked the beginning of the next major step for these countries in their move toward full integration with the EU-adoption of the euro. Seeking to consider the opportunities and challenges of euro adoption, the papers in this volume--by a noted group of country officials, academics, representatives of international institutions, and market participants-offer insight on the various dimensions of euro adoption in these eight new EU members--how they should prepare, whether an early move is optimal, and what pitfalls may occur along the way.

Annotation This title looks at ways governments can promote the creation of more and better jobs in the region. It addresses the question of why labour market outcomes have been disappointing during the transition, and suggests policy interventions to promote firms' investment, job creation and economic development.