Return To Europe, Reintegration Of Eastern Europe Into The

Description: The Return to Europe examines the ability of the Central and South-east European economies to withstand competitive pressures on entry to the EU. These economies are still experiencing major structural problems inherited from communism. A major gap still exists between the income levels and economic structures of the accession states and the existing members of the EU. Trade relations largely involve the exchange of labour-intensive goods produced in Eastern Europe for technology-intensive goods produced in the EU. The export structures of some Central European economies which have attracted foreign direct investment is improving. Romania and Bulgaria have become increasingly dependent on export of labour-intensive goods since the collapse of communism. Will this create a permanent division of labour in an enlarged EU in which some regions of Europe fail to attract investment and become dependent on the export of low-wage goods, with implications for European security? Table of Contents: List of Tables Preface The Background to Eastward Enlargement International Trade Theory and EU Enlargement Statistical Tests and Problems of Measurement East European Economic Relations under Communism The Basic Features of Trade Relations between the EU and the Applicant States Factor Intensity and Technological Levels in Trade in Manufactured Goods between the CEE-10 and the EU Revealed Specialisation and the Competitiveness of the CEE economies Conclusions: Prospects for Integration Bibliography Glossary Index Author Biography: ALAN SMITH is Reader in Eastern European Economics at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London. Previous books include, The Planned Economies of Eastern Europe (1983), Russia and the World Economy (1993), Challenges for Russia Economic Reform (editor, 1995), and Russian Foreign Trade in the Transition (1996).