Problems will not stop EU convergence

European convergence continues to be the long-term attraction for investing in Central European countries. Despite increasing signs that disagreements over agricultural subsidies and political problems within the EU may stall the accession of some Central European countries into the EU scheduled for 1 January 2004. A recent Reuters survey among financial market participants showed a significant decline in market expectations of EU membership of the 10 Central European and Baltic countries by 1 January 2004 ' although most continued to ascribe a 50% or higher probability of it happening fo...