The recent Covid-19 pandemic and recent economic and political turbulences exacerbate issues related to the economic and political resilience of countries. In this context, digitalization and productivity improvement, the development of the labour market and human capital, as well as regional disparities, and economic and social stratification, need special attention by policymakers and businesses. Adequate solutions to these issues will contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness of Europe.The chapters collected here examine the economic development, main experiences, lessons learned, and the challenges and perspectives ahead of the new member states of the EU to identify the determinants of imbalances in the economic development of these countries.Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis publishes a series of current and relevant themed volumes within the fields of economics and finance. Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies are welcome.