Southeast Europe: Getting in Shape For EU Scrutiny

摘要

The entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the European Union at the beginning of 2007 has been the main event in Southeast Europe this year, and it has strengthened the rest of the region's resolve to join the club. The EU - already the major trading partner of Southeast European countries, absorbing two-third of the region's exports - also inspires the reform process that is transforming the region's economic landscape. Southeast Europe's strong potential, with GDP growth averaging more than 5 percent over the past six years, has not escaped foreign investors, who have been pouring capital into the region through direct stakes in privatized companies, greenfield investments or participation in the region's capital markets.