The rapid journey from central planning to EU (euro area) membership stress-tested the social learning processes of the Former Transition Economies (FTEs). The desire for a higher standard of living, to be anchored to the West, and to enter the EU, spurred major reform waves and led to the very...

"This book analyzes the economic performance of the EU in the first five years after its largest expansion in 2004. Accession and integration were expected to foster growth and convergence among the new Member States through intensified trade, foreign direct investment, financial deepening and...