The European Union’s Trade Policy Towards Central and Eastern Europe: Still a ‘Sensitive’ Argument for Joining the Union?

Since the collapse of communism, the Central and Eastern European countries have implemented far-reaching political and economic reforms. Many of these countries have aligned their policy with attempts to quickly integrate into the European Union. The prospect of membership served the purpose of anchoring these necessarily painful reforms. Be this as it may, apart from benefits stemming from the Unions’ Structural Funds, et cetera, it has always been argued that the restrictive nature of the European Union’s trade policy is a prime motive for the transition countries to seek admission. This article focuses on the development of the Union’s trade policy towards Central and Eastern Europe and scrutinizes the extent to which trade restrictions are still a valid argument for „joining the club“