30 Years of Transition in Europe: Looking Back and Looking Beyond in CESEE Countries

This thought-provoking book investigates the political and economic transformation that has taken place over the past three decades in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Through an examination of both the successes and shortcomings of post communist reform and the challenges ahead for the region, it explores the topical issues of economic transition and integration, highlighting important lessons to be learned. Featuring contributions from both top academics and experienced policymakers, 30 Years of Transition in Europe first discusses the process of transition in CESEE from a historical perspective, analysing the impacts of differing approaches on economic and monetary policy, the role of central banks and the speed of reform in various countries of the region. Chapters also compare CESEE transformations to emerging economies in Asia, and examine contemporary concerns around financial and monetary stability, as well as exploring the long-term determinants of economic growth such as digitalization, climate change and demographic trends. Economists, central bankers, and policymakers in the banking sector and other international financial organizations will find this book an enlightening read. It will also be useful for academics in economics and politics with a particular interest in emerging European economies and European integration.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface PART I A historic transformation: heterogeneity in CESEE in a changing global context 1 Looking back on 30 years of transition – and looking 30 years ahead Robert Holzmann 2 1989: the year of the great ambivalence Anton Pelinka 3 The price of unity: the transformation of Germany and Eastern Europe after 1989 Philipp Ther PART II A central banker’s view on monetary policy during transition 4 Monetary policy challenges during transition: the case of Serbia Jorgovanka Tabaković and Ana Ivković 5 Monetary milestones of the past 30 years: the Czech National Bank’s view Jiří Rusnok 6 Croatia – from hyperinflation to the road to the euro area Boris Vujčić and Katja Gattin Turkalj PART III Modes of transition: the impact of different economic policy approaches 7 Ten lessons from thirty years of post-communist economic transformation Anders Åslund 8 The impact of different transition patterns and approaches on economic development in EU-CEE11, Russia and Ukraine Marina Gruševaja 9 Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe’s reunion with Europe Andrzej Sławiński PART IV Lessons from three decades of catching-up in Asia 10 Catching-up in Central and Eastern Europe and East Asia – commonalities and differences Michael A. Landesmann 11 Chinese multinationals in East Central Europe: structural, institutional or political considerations? Ágnes Szunomár PART V Challenges for CESEE’s near future: monetary and financial stability 12 Did macroprudential policies play a role in stabilizing the credit and capital flow cycle in CESEE? Markus Eller, Helene Schuberth and Lukas Vashold 13 30 years of monetary and exchange rate regimes in Central and Eastern Europe: what has changed, and what is next? Johannes Wiegand PART VI The future of CESEE: the impact of megatrends 14 At the start of a new leadership of the European Commission and the European Central Bank: where is the place of Central and Eastern Europe? Martin Selmayr 15 Will the EU overcome the East-West divide? Ada Ámon 16 Demographic change in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe: trends, determinants and challenges Tomáš Sobotka and Alexia Fürnkranz-Prskawetz 17 The demographic challenge of Eastern Europe and potential policy options Mario Holzner Index