ABSTRACT
The Soviet–East European relationship has been the focus of considerable activity since Gorbachev’s accession to power as General Secretary. There was not much evidence of its importance at the 27th Congress itself, to be sure. Nevertheless, much of the business of the congress was more or less directly linked to developments in the evolving relationship between Moscow and the East European capitals. In addressing the need for accelerated economic development to raise the prestige of socialism in the world, Gorbachev made it clear that he was not referring to the Soviet Union alone. The East European countries would be expected to bear a share of the burden.
