`This volume deals with an extremely topical and important subject. Reform of local and territorial government is at the centre of political and economic transition in Central and Eastern Europe directly affecting the EU's eastward enlargement. The book compares Western and Eastern European experiences and perspectives. It also confronts a set of theoretical assumptions accumulated in recent years on the issues of democracy, integration and decentralization, with empirical evidence fron Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech republic. As such it represents a valuable source for those studying European integration, democratic theory, regional politics and regime change.' - Jan Zielonka, Professor of Political Science, European University Institute, Florence
`This excellent volume provides detailed empirical analyses by leading Central European specialists in local government, but also sets the issues into the broader context of changing patterns of state organization across Europe in chapters by Western scholars. It thus contributes usefully to consideration of the common problems faced by both parts of a formerly divided continent in a comparative way.'
- Dr J. R. Batt, Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of Birmingham
'...this topical and informative collection of studies, a unique publication in English on the subject, calls our attention to the contribution of the Visegrads to wider European economic and political integration.' - Miklos Lojko, International Affairs
