For the complete report from BBC NEWS click on this link
Fast track to Eastern Europe's future
The railways of Eastern Europe are going through a period of great upheaval including sudden privatization and modernization, following years of neglect. Nick Thorpe took a rail trip through the region to see for himself.This year the rail freight market was liberalized throughout the European Union and in 2010 passenger traffic will follow. Each country is trying to avoid the mistakes made by others. EU money is providing an important boost and so is the increasing congestion on the roads. The number of lorries on Polish roads alone has tripled in the past three years. "Europe has shifted its centre of gravity eastwards," says Janusz Piechocinski, director of the Transport Consultants Group in Warsaw, "and we can all gain from the pool of experience here". To open the vast markets of the former Soviet Union and Asia, he offers a model: British finance, German logistics and Polish experience in crossing the eastern borders.
Note EU-Digest: Great report. These are the benefits of membership in the EU which no one hardly ever speaks about. Those countries that still believe they can go at it alone without the force and security of a united Europe within the EU, are living in a different age. Membership in the EU means giving up very little for what we get in return.
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