Paper | Central European Accord – CEA A post-EU framework for Central Europe

Forum Mitteleuropa, Vienna, Austria
Prof. Dr. Stephan Unger
Saint Anselm College, NH, USA
F.A. Hayek Institute & Austrian Economics Center, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

This paper elaborates a potential post-EU solution for Central Europe. Analyzing the combined economic output and trade, the results suggest that the confederacy of Central European states such as Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia could constitute an economic powerhouse if liberalization efforts in removal of regulation and trade barriers along with the independence and sovereignty of each country’s law making succeed. Rooted in the common history and culture, the heritage of these Central European countries could offer a favorable environment to prosper. Aligned political viewpoints and the geographical proximity of the countries would enable deepened economic, cultural, and political ties. Similarly, the availability of heterogeneous economic resources and workforce would benefit every Central European country. This article explores the prerequisites for the prosperity of a confederation of Central European states under a proposed Central European Accord.

Keywords: Post-EU, Central Europe, monetary policy, trade, energy, security.