ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the different policies and varied progress of privatization in East-Central Europe, with particular emphasis on case studies of Hungary, Poland and Czechoslovakia. The first section discusses the alternative definitions and contexts of privatization in Western and Eastern Europe. The second summarizes in general terms the main issues, debates and choices involved in the privatization of East-Central Europe. Thereafter, in the following three sections, each of the countries are considered in turn. Hungary is dealt with first in that economic reform began there prior to the fall of communism. Political reform developed earliest in Poland, which is analysed next. Last of all is Czechoslovakia which experienced neither economic nor political reform prior to 1989. Finally, the conclusion identifies similarities and contrasts in the application of privatization in the three countries.
