Central European Relations in Turbulent Times

The capitalist transformation in the CEE countries has resulted in a capitalism model on the one hand which has distinctive features from other types of capitalism in the EU but on the other hand it is a completed market economy which is able to reproduce itself. In the CEE institutional arrangement modernization is based on FDI. The CEE countries achieved substantial economic convergence to the western EU member states even if their institutional model has limited convergence capacity in the long run. In the economic success of Visegrád countries their integration into the German industrial export production, supply chain has been decisive role undoubtedly. In the EU debates these countries are regular supporters of German economic policy, e.g. in the issue of rigorous fiscal policy. This study investigates whether the recent challenges undermine the politico-economic status quo in Central Europe. The migrant crisis reveals that despite twenty year economic integration, close cooperation there are very different attitudes in Germany and the Visegrád countries concerning political, social values. The problems, which emerged seem to be persistent thus lasting political tension could impair economic relations. Weakening cooperation could be harmful for both Germany and Visegrád countries. Therefore it is worth scrutinizing the different levels of economic and political relations and their interactions in the current turbulent period.