Economic integration is the most noteworthy development in international economic policy at the end of this century. Enthusiasm for the European Union has been infectuous. Yet, there are many aspects for the EU that still remain obscure and which warrant further careful scrutiny. The subject of this book is the examination of the inherent economic and political inefficiencies in the transition process of Central and East European countries which are apt to slow down its pace, divert it from its proper course and, in some cases, even endanger its sustainability. The authors of the contributions in this book, economists and political scientists, investigate the applicability of the hyperthesis of mutual benefits resulting from countries in transition becoming open to international trade and investment.