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Despite the ever growing body of scholarly work on policy developments in the post-communist New Member States of the European Union (NMS), systematic comparisons of policy outcome performance and its determinants are still scarce. This article identifies patterns of post-communist policy outcomes across the fields of economic, social and environmental policy. By employing pooled time-series cross-sectional analysis with a Fixed Effects Vector Decomposition (FEVD) estimator it investigates to what extent policy outcome performance is determined by differing policy efforts (outputs or reform tracks), transitional conditions and international influences. Although citizens are still negatively affected by the initial economic recession, especially in the social domain, policy reforms and efforts are decisive in determining the outcome performance of the NMS relative to one another in the longer run. Successful and comprehensive market reforms and steering capabilities prove to be particularly important in this regard. Furthermore, internationalisation has an important, albeit ambiguous, impact. While exposure to the world market is reflected in negative policy performance, interaction with and financial commitment from Western European Union countries promote positive policy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the changes in political and environmental policies and related institutions as driven by eastern enlargement of the European Union (EU). Impact of the political changes on the rights and responsibilities of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) citizens; Effects of economic transitions on environmental politics, policy and quality; Information on the EU assistance provided for CEE countries.

Examines the implication of European Union (EU) accession for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) environmental transition. Information on capacity limitations in governmental, non-governmental and private sectors across CEE countries to meet the demands and requisites in the transition towards EU accession; Limitations of EU environmental policies; Importance of civil society and non-governmental organizations.

Discusses the impact of the accession of several Central and Eastern European countries in the European Union (EU) on the future environmental leadership and policy performance of the EU. History of European integration and enlargement; Economic differences in per capita levels of wealth among EU countries; Changes in EU environmental institutions and policy making procedures as a result of the expansion of the union.