Transition, cohesion and regional policy in Central and Eastern Europe

Book abstract:

This book was conceived to take a comprehensive and systematic look at the issues arising from the emerging regional development challenges and regional policy responses in Central and Eastern Europe. After a decade of reform, it attempts to take stock of the regional problems and disparities associated with the transition process and the regional development policy challenge confronting regional, national and European policy-makers.

Regional development is a dynamic field in Central and Eastern Europe. Spatial differences are growing and changing quickly and the impact of reforms has recast the geography of advantage and disadvantage. Until recently, regional policy was not generally seen as a priority area for government action, however, urged on by the European Union regional development policy concepts, legislation, institutions and measures have rapidly emerged. It is still an open question as to whether such policies are regarded merely as a presentational device to fulfil EU requirements or whether they will be able to make a difference to those regions and groups disadvantaged by economic liberalisation.

At the heart of this volume, therefore is the relationship between transition and cohesion and the response of government. The book brings together contributors from Western, Central and Eastern Europe, presenting academic perspectives from geographers, regional economists and political scientists and the viewpoints of practitioners engaged in regional development.

The volume is in four parts: Part I; Dimensions of transition. Part II; National Reviews, which gives an account of the regional development situation in ten countries; Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia. Part III; Thematic perspectives. Part IV; Policy responses.

The editors have produced a coherent, systematic and relevant overview of regional development and regional policy that will be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners alike.