This 1997 volume examines the transition of the Central and Eastern European countries towards membership in the European Union.In their transition from the legacy of Communism, Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) are seeking to reduce the income gap that remains the major barrier to full European integration. The essays in this volume derive from a conference held at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies in Washington, DC, on May 15-16, 1995, and present general equilibrium calculations of the world wide effects of trade liberalization between CEECs and the European Union (EU) on real wages and welfare; analysis of trade in sensitive sectors; and measurement of Germany's role in the transition.In their transition from the legacy of Communism, Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) are seeking to reduce the income gap that remains the major barrier to full European integration. The essays in this volume derive from a conference held at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies in Washington, DC, on May 15-16, 1995, and present general equilibrium calculations of the world wide effects of trade liberalization between CEECs and the European Union (EU) on real wages and welfare; analysis of trade in sensitive sectors; and measurement of Germany's role in the transition.In their transition from the legacy of Communism, Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) are seeking to reduce the income gap that remains the major barrier to full European integration. The essays in this volume derive from a conference held at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies in Washington, DC, on May 15-16, 1995, and present general equilibrium calculations of the world wide effects of trade liberalization between CEECs and the European Union (EU) on real wages and welfare; analysis of trade in sensitive sectors; and measurement of Germany's role in the transition.1. Introduction Stanley Black; Part I. Trade Relatilƒ+