Eastern & Central Europe

Latest news about eastern and central Europe and EU enlargement. Since it was founded in 1958, the EU has regularly accepted new member countries. Each applicant country must meet certain requirements before membership is permitted. Regular enlargements have seen the EU grow from its original 6 founding members to 28 in 2013. Any country that satisfies the conditions for enlargement can apply to be a candidate. The European Commission, at the request of the European Council, assesses the applicant’s ability to meet the conditions of membership. If the opinion is positive and the Council agrees a negotiating mandate, discussions are formally opened between the applicant and the EU. At the start of 2013, five countries had been accepted as EU candidate countries: Iceland, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo (under UN Security Resolution 1244) have the status of potential candidates.

Access to finance — 03 July 2012, 12:08 CET

An overview of the sources of finance available to SMEs in Malta.

Setting up a business in Malta — 03 July 2012, 11:31 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Malta.

Representation of the European Commission in Lithuania — 20 November 2009, 23:05 CET

Contacts of the European Commission representation in Lithuania.

Access to finance — 02 July 2012, 12:06 CET

The Law on Small and Medium Size Business Development of the Republic of Lithuania that came into force on 1 January 2008 defines the types of small and medium size businesses, the forms of state aid available to them and other important relevant provisions.

Setting up a business in Lithuania — 02 July 2012, 11:52 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Lithuania.

Representation of the European Commission in Latvia — 18 November 2009, 22:30 CET

Contacts of the European Commission representation in Latvia.

Latvia Investment Climate 2009 — 18 November 2009, 22:30 CET

The Latvian government actively encourages foreign direct investment, and works with investors to improve the country's business climate. In keeping with European Union and World Trade Organization requirements, there is no screening of foreign investment. The government continually strives to bring Latvian economic institutions, laws and regulations into conformity with EU directives.

Starting a business in Latvia — 25 June 2012, 13:11 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Latvia.

Access to finance — 26 June 2012, 12:43 CET

During economic growth in Latvia the most popular method of financing was bank loans. After Latvia joined the European Union businesses actively applied for EU funding. The Ministry of Economics is in charge of defining and coordinating government assistance policy for businesses.

Representation of the European Commission in Estonia — 17 November 2009, 23:30 CET

Contacts of the European Commission representation in Estonia.

Estonia: Economy Overview — 09 May 2012, 23:07 CET

Estonia, a 2004 European Union entrant, has a modern market-based economy and one of the highest per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda and have wavered little in their commitment to pro-market reforms.

Estonia Investment Climate 2009 — 17 November 2009, 23:30 CET

Since joining the EU in 2004, the Estonian government has sought to maintain liberal policies in order to attract investments that could produce exports. Foreign investors are treated on an equal footing with local investors.

Setting up a business in Estonia — 28 January 2014, 13:28 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Estonia.

Access to finance — 05 June 2012, 17:46 CET

An overview of the sources of finance available to SMEs in Estonia.

Russia-EU Trade - Eurostat — 16 November 2009, 11:33 CET

The 27 Member States of the European Union had their deficit in trade in goods with Russia halved in the first six months of 2009. Russia is the third trading partner of the EU.

Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia — 14 November 2009, 23:53 CET

Contacts of the European Commission representation in Slovakia.

Slovakia Investment Climate 2009 — 14 November 2009, 23:53 CET

Slovakia’s once troubled economy has been transformed in the last ten years into a business friendly market-model, which led the region with GDP growth of 7.1 percent (est.) in 2008.

Access to finance — 17 July 2012, 23:20 CET

In Slovakia, there is a wide range of programmes, funds and loans available for the support of enterprise, which may be divided into public sector financial instruments and private sector financial instruments.

Setting up a business in Slovakia — 17 July 2012, 22:41 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Slovakia.

Slovakia: Economy Overview — 17 December 2010, 03:38 CET

Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation, healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and to adopt the euro in January 2009.

Slovenia: Economy Overview — 16 December 2010, 00:38 CET

Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of economic success and stability for the region.

Slovenia Investment Climate 2009 — 11 November 2009, 14:42 CET

A European Union member since May 1, 2004 and a eurozone member since January 1, 2007, Slovenia has a strong mix of qualities to recommend it as an investment location. With excellent infrastructure, a major port on the Adriatic Sea and a highly educated work force, Slovenia can be an attractive place for the investor to access the markets of Central and Southeastern Europe.

Access to finance — 17 May 2012, 00:55 CET

In addition to European funding in various forms, several sources of funding are available to business persons in Slovenia. As a general rule, they follow the intent of establishing a systematic business-friendly environment.

Starting a business in Slovenia — 22 May 2015, 16:36 CET

An overview of the process of starting a new business in Slovenia.

Representation of the European Commission in Poland — 05 November 2009, 23:23 CET

Contacts of the European Commission representation in Poland.