The economies of the European countries are still in recession, the development process is at a standstill, companies are facing financial difficulties, and the EU¿s monetary policy is tight and focused on lowering inflation. The fiscal problems and high debt levels of the northern European countries are of great importance, and they are the consequences of both the European economy¿s structural characteristics and the EU¿s policies. The economic area of Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Black Sea countries is also vital, due to its special economic characteristics. The effects of the economic crisis on this particular area are catalytic, while the prospects for recovery are doubtful. The present book deals with the key aspects of the economic crisis in Europe, especially focusing on southeast Europe and the Balkans. The consequences of the crisis in these countries are analyzed and suggestions for how to address the crisis are outlined.

Part I: Economic Crisis in Europe.- Part II: European Policies and Integration.- Part III: European and Regional Development in South-Eastern Europe.

Anastasios Karasavvoglou is Professor in economics, Editor in chief of the "International Journal of Economic Sciences and Applied Research" and the President of the annual International Conference "The Economies of Balkan and Eastern Europe Countries in the changed world". He has published many books and papers regarding immigration, regional development and labour market.

Persefoni Polychronidou holds a PhD in Mathematics, has scientific interests in data analysis, in discrete transforms and realization of algorithms for fast processing data. She is assistant editor of the "International Journal of Economic Sciences and Applied Research" and has published several papers regarding empirical economic data.