The European Union and Central-East Europe: Background to the Enlargement Question

After the collapse of the central planning system there was a rapid and dramatic reorientation of trade of the Central and Eastern European countries towards the EU. In order to assess prospects for EU-CEEC trade flows and enlargement, this chapter presents a review of the economic transformation process and of the evolution of EU-CEEC relations. Economic transformation entailed a changed role for the state and private property in the economy, and the correction of the distortions of the previous system. A brief reminder of the main features of the central planning system is also provided as this helps to identify the main tasks faced by the CEECs.