This is a survey of the economic challenges which transition economies have undergone in the last 20 years. It gives a deep insight into the banking sector and financial markets of Central and Eastern European countries, examining their integration into the European Union and the key obstacles which prevent full integration. The book comments on and evaluates market changes and monetary policy in the region. It applies rigorous and advanced tools to analyse the ongoing development and remaining problems, including the impact and consequences of the current fiancial crisis.