چكيده لاتين :
In May 2004, ten countries joined the European Union. Most of
these countries that are located in the central and eastern part of
Europe have different historical background and economic structure,
compared to the older EU members. One of the pertinent issues ofEU
Accession is the economic consequences for the countries neighboring
the enlarged EU and the impact on trade of between these countries.
The implication of regional economic cooperation and competition for
all the EU members and countries located further to the East of EU,
including countries in the Middle East and Central Asia in terms of
resource allocation, the concentration of economic activities and its
welfare implications, all depends upon how the new economic
opportunities are exploited.
The main purpose of this paper is to measure the degree and extent
of comparative advantage in agricultural crop production and to
compare the results for the enlarged European Union and countries
located further toward the eastern frontier of the EU. The Bowen
comparative advantage index as well as a simple regression model
will be used in this regard. This paper will highlight the relative
strengths and weaknesses of the countries in this יbloc" in exploiting
their agricultural trade potential.
