Stretching Eu Frontiers Toward East: the Consequences For Agricultural Trade Integration

In may 2004, ten countries joined the european union. most ofthese countries that are located in the central and eastern part ofeurope have different historical background and economic structure,compared to the older eu members. one of the pertinent issues ofeuaccession is the economic consequences for the countries neighboringthe enlarged eu and the impact on trade of between these countries.the implication of regional economic cooperation and competition forall the eu members and countries located further to the east of eu,including countries in the middle east and central asia in terms ofresource allocation, the concentration of economic activities and itswelfare implications, all depends upon how the new economicopportunities are exploited.the main purpose of this paper is to measure the degree and extentof comparative advantage in agricultural crop production and tocompare the results for the enlarged european union and countrieslocated further toward the eastern frontier of the eu. the bowencomparative advantage index as well as a simple regression modelwill be used in this regard. this paper will highlight the relativestrengths and weaknesses of the countries in this 'bloc in exploitingtheir agricultural trade potential.