In March 2000 at the European Council meeting in Lisbon the European Union heads of states
set an ambitious goal to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the
world. Such a goal requires major reforms of the societies and economies of the EU member
states. This book explores the effects of these reforms on the eight Central and Eastern
European countries that entered the EU in May 2004. Since 1989 these countries have been going
through a major transformation to the market economy and democratic society. A Clash of
Transitions attempts to answer how the societies and people can cope with multiple transitions.
This volume is useful for courses on education Central and Eastern Europe and European
studies.
