Regional Economic Disparities in Central and Eastern European Countries

Abstract

The economic disparities in Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) consist of three levels. The first one is a domestic one, that is, disparities among central and peripheral regions in one country. The second one is among central and peripheral countries in CEECs. And the third one is among EU 15 countries and CEECs, that is, among central and peripheral countries in Europe.In this paper, we have considered why these disparities have occurred, whether they will disappear or be magnified, and how to diminish them.The main conclusions are:—The economic disparities have caused by the initial conditions and transition policies in CEECs.—They will not diminish, at least in the short period.—CEECs, especially Southern and Eastern countries, have to enhance their efforts to close the gaps and to accomplish the task “Return to Europe”.—External factors such as aids from the EU are also important for attaining the aims.