1. Home
  2. Studies
  3. The Central and Eastern European Countries in the EU: Their development, the status quo and current issues
Berthold Busch IW-Analyse No. 144 16. September 2021 The Central and Eastern European Countries in the EU: Their development, the status quo and current issues

In economic terms, the enlargement of the EU to include the Central and East ern European countries (CEECs) has been a success.

Download PDF
Their development, the status quo and current issues
Berthold Busch IW-Analyse No. 144 16. September 2021

The Central and Eastern European Countries in the EU: Their development, the status quo and current issues

German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

In economic terms, the enlargement of the EU to include the Central and East ern European countries (CEECs) has been a success.

The CEECs have all been effectively integrated into the common internal market and current economic developments point to ongoing convergence and increasing cohesion. Substantial financial resources from the EU budget have made a significant contribution to this process. In the political sphere, however, the balance is less positive. In some CEE countries, a tendency to revive nationalism can be observed and in recent years conflicts with the EU over the rule of law, democracy, and the independence of the judiciary have intensified. Attempts by the European Commission and the European Parliament to counter this phenomenon with both existing instruments and new procedures have so far proved unsuccessful. Indeed, these unresolved frictions have recently hampered agreement on the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. The lessons to be learned from these developments need to be applied when further enlargements are considered.

Download PDF
Their development, the status quo and current issues
Berthold Busch IW-Analyse No. 144 16. September 2021

The Central and Eastern European Countries in the EU: Their development, the status quo and current issues

German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

More on the topic

Read the article
Institutional consequences of EU Enlargement
Berthold Busch / Julian Sommer / Samina Sultan IW-Report No. 15 12. March 2024

Institutional consequences of EU Enlargement

At the latest since the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the decision to open accession talks with the country, the topic of enlargement has once again become much more important for the European Union (EU).

IW

Read the article
Berthold Busch / Samina Sultan IW-Report No. 63 11. December 2023

Fiscal aspects of an EU-enlargement

Following the European Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, the European Council will decide on this at its summit in December. This is a historic step that is of great geostrategic importance, particularly in light of the ...

IW

More about this topic

Content element with id 8880 Content element with id 9713