Central and Eastern Europe: Defining a Complex Geopolitical Region
The term Central and Eastern Europe (often abbreviated as CEE) describes a vast and multifaceted geopolitical subregion. While it encompasses diverse territories, the term is frequently used to group countries that were formerly part of the Eastern Bloc, the Warsaw Pact, or the former Yugoslavia. By using CEE, analysts often seek a more neutral grouping than the term "Eastern Europe," which sometimes excludes Russia to maintain a specific regional focus.
Historically, the region can be understood as the area situated between three major historical powers: the Holy Roman Empire (or Austro-Hungary), the German Empire, and the Russian Empire.
Key Facts
- Geopolitical Scope: Includes Northeast Europe (Baltics), Central Europe (Visegrád Group), Eastern Europe, and Southeast Europe (Balkans).
- Historical Context: Primarily comprises former communist states and former Yugoslavian territories.
- OECD Definition: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development uses the term "Central and Eastern European Countries" (CEECs) for a specific subset of these nations.
- EU Integration: Member states in the region joined the European Union in three distinct waves starting in 2004.
- Economic Transition: According to the World Bank, the transition to advanced market economies was completed for the ten countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007.
Defining the CEE Region
The boundaries of CEE are defined by several overlapping political and historical factors. The region includes the Eastern Bloc countries located west of the post-World War II border with the former Soviet Union, as well as the independent states of the former Yugoslavia. Notably, the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are included in CEE because they chose not to join the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) following the dissolution of the USSR.
Subdivisions by European Union Accession
The integration of CEE countries into the European Union (EU) occurred in stages, which helps categorize the region's current political landscape:
- First Wave (May 1, 2004): Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia.
- Second Wave (January 1, 2007): Bulgaria and Romania.
- Third Wave (July 1, 2013): Croatia.
Regional Classifications and Organizations
Different international bodies apply different definitions to these territories. For instance, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) uses the specific term Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). This group includes Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and the three Baltic states.
In academic and political discourse, the term CEE has largely replaced "East-Central Europe." This shift occurred because the abbreviation for East-Central Europe (ECE) is often confused with the Economic Commission for Europe.
Summary of Regional Status
| Country | European Union Status | NATO Status | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | Member state | Member state | - |
| Czech Republic | Member state | Member state | - |
| Estonia | Member state | Member state | - |
| Albania | Candidate negotiating | Member state | - |
| Serbia | Candidate negotiating | Individual Partnership Action Plan | - |
| Ukraine | Candidate negotiating | Intensified Dialogue | - |
| Moldova | Candidate negotiating | Individual Partnership Action Plan | Member state of CIS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CEE and East-Central Europe?
CEE is the preferred term for discussing transition countries. The term "East-Central Europe" is less common in this context because its abbreviation, ECE, is frequently confused with the Economic Commission for Europe.
Which countries are considered the Baltic states?
The Baltic states consist of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These nations are part of the CEE region and notably chose not to join the CIS.
How does the OECD define CEECs?
The OECD defines Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) as Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania).
Are all CEE countries members of the European Union?
No. While many CEE countries are EU member states, others are currently in various stages of candidacy, such as Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
What defines the geographic boundaries of the former socialist states in this region?
The former socialist states in this region extend east of Austria, eastern Germany, and Italy; north of Greece and Turkey; south of Finland and Sweden; and west of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.