Regional inequalities in Central and Eastern European countries : the role of capital regions and metropolitan areas

The aim of this chapter is to provide empirically supported evidence regarding regional development and inequalities in the European Union by focusing specifically on the Central and Eastern European countries. The process of European integration has impacted on the growth potential of all regions across Europe. However, there have been very diverse development trajectories in different groups of countries. After their accession to the EU, the Central and Eastern EU countries have followed a relatively common development path. However, the geography of development in these countries provides a more detailed analysis of this trend. The analysis covers the period 2000-2016, starting from the years just before the enlargement until the years after the economic crisis. Statistical analyses of trends in GDP and convergence and the role of metropolitan areas are presented with thematic cartography maps. Results are relevant to regional analysis and policy as well as to the challenges of the European Union for the next programming period 2021-2027.