After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the previous economic system, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe went into a deep economic recession, resulting in a decline of Gross Domestic Product that was mirrored by a serious downturn in the transport sector. The transport sector, like the economy in general, changed from a supple-based system to one driven by demand. Decisions were no longer imposed by central planners, but by the market. All of the countries concerned are planning to join the European Union and, with that in mind, tend to organise their transport sector along the lines of the Community's model of competition. This report addresses efforts of the former socialist countries to meet restructuring needs. Freight transport, as well as passenger transport development are discussed. (A)
Abstract