A stronger CEE for a stronger Europe - Policy Note

Client/Funding Institution

Erste Group Bank AG

Abstract

The performance of CEE economies over the last three decades has been a success story, with more ups than downs. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, amidst rising geopolitical challenges and faced with a continuing demographic decline, countries in the region need to question whether a growth model still largely based on imported technology, cheap labour and fossil fuel imports can continue to be the main driver of convergence. In this context, the European Union needs to strengthen its focus on competitiveness, growth and social inclusion in the CEE member states. And beyond. The purpose of this project – a collaboration between wiiw and Thomas Wieser - was to look at which specific policies need to be addressed, in order to have a stronger CEE for a stronger Europe.

Duration

December 2023 - February 2024

wiiw team Leader

Richard Grieveson

wiiw Staff

Corinna Covi, Mario Holzner

Project Partners

Thomas Wieser, Non-resident fellow at Bruegel and former President of the Euro Working Group and of the European Financial Committe of the European Union.

Publications

Keywords: Competitiveness, Economic Development, Central and Eastern Europe, Economic Policy

Countries covered: CEE

Research Areas: Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy, Regional Development


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