Integration of the Czech Republic and Central Europe into the Common Market
No.4(2010)
Abstract
Keywords:
convergence; economic development; Central Europe
The Czech Republic and other pos-communist countires in Central Europe (Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) joined the European Union in 2004. However, political and economic integration is a continual process that had already commenced with the democratic and market transitions of these countries. This paper discusses the recent condition of convergence in the above-mentioned countries with special attention to exploring possible relationships between level of current convergence and economic openness. We argue that Central European countries are a clear example that proves that a significant level of convergence through economic openness is possible, although not without possible future risk.
convergence; economic development; Central Europe