By explaining the path of extrication from state socialism, this book clarifies the patterns of the welfare state's transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, at the national and EU level. It identifies the emergence of a peculiar Eastern European welfare regime through the fusion of pre-communist (Bismarck social insurance), communist (universalism, corporatism and egalitarianism) and post-communist features (market-based schemes). The author concludes by reflecting on how Eastern welfare states will fit in the future EU welfare regime.