ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book deals mainly with second-generation economic transition issues and challenges that the countries joining the European Union in 2004 are facing. However, it is worthwhile to look into the state of transition of countries further East that do not benefit that much from the close proximity and impact of the EU. The book raises questions about reform challenges in the rest of the former East European socialist system, as well as the significance of the integrating Europe moving its boundaries further East, closer to the 'rest' of the transition countries. When comparing the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with Central Europe there are at least two factors that have to be taken into consideration: the extremely low starting levels in the CIS and the oil prices. There are some tentative signs of economic recovery and integration as well.
