Impacts of economic and political transition on the transport geography of Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

This paper provides a brief overview of the impacts of economic and political transition on the emerging transport geography of Central and Eastern Europe. Following a brief examination of the transport-related problems inherited from the communist period, this paper focuses on four areas of impact: new organizational and management structures, new linkages and routes, new equipment and technology, and an upgrading of infrastructure and services. New market conditions are providing the arena for two ‘competitions’: between the countries of the region, and especially those of Central Europe, for transport hub status, and between Germany-Austria and Italy for economic and political influence in the region, as expressed in trade relations and development assistance. Continuing instability in the Balkans suggests that the gulf between it and Central Europe will grow ever wider, in areas such as inward investment and infrastructural development.