Economic challenges in trans-Europe

The chapter analyses the outcomes of recent economic agreements and unions that have affected the interests and attitudes of multiple actors in the Trans-European space. The author explores the effects of these unions on trade flows and investment, both in the EU and in ten countries of the EU neighborhood. The chapter contributes to the book's narrative by examining spill-over effects of financial crises and financial sanctions across the whole area. Using a comparative approach, Mirkina explains differences in the choices that the EU's neighbors must make. Examining the consequences of these choices helps in predicting the economic and political trajectories of each country, describing antagonistic forces that impair their economic integration and security and highlighting issues that should be resolved before steady development in this area could be achieved.