Introduction

A key objective of the Central European Economies (CEEs) on their transition path from planned to more market-oriented economies has been membership of the European Union (EU). The start of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999 has added membership of the EMU to the agenda for the CEEs. EU membership was a key theme at the intergovernmental meeting of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland in Visègrad as these countries embarked on transition. Early in 1993 the Czech Republic and Slovakia separated, so there are now four Visègrad countries. The task of preparing for EU and EMU membership is the key theme underlying the papers in this volume. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland have been fast-tracked for EU membership along with Cyprus, Estonia and Slovenia, with 2003 being the earliest feasible date for admission. Slovakia, because of concerns expressed about its political structures, is on the list of CEEs earmarked for a later round of negotiations regarding EU membership.