The ECB’s Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa dismisses talk of a double standard being applied to the 10 EU accession countries. Interview by Jan Wagner in Frankfurt.

Despite some difficulties, several new EU member countries could also be part of the euro currency zone as early as 2008. Given the demands of the process and their consequences, Marianne Kager reports on whether sooner is better.

For a large, underpopulated country, Kazakhstan has achieved impressive economic growth in recent years. And, despite Western criticism of endemic corruption and poor distribution of wealth, the country looks set to continue on the same path. Chris Pala reports.

Prudent management of its oil reserves and a commitment to propriety is making Kazakhstan a regional success story. Chris Pala in Almaty explains.

Croatia’s new government has its work cut out preparing for Nato entry and EU accession negotiations as well as strengthening the country’s external trade balance in a slowing economy. Istvan Lengyel reports from Zagreb.

A carefully planned tourism industry will provide Croatia with jobs and economic growth.

With falling GDP and possible government regulation, Croatia’s banks must find new growth areas as well as preparing for the competitive shock of EU accession.

Austria’s leading banks have arranged a successful $200m syndicated loan for Romania’s largest bank, Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR).

Romania has come a long way since 1999, says Matei Paun. With hyperinflation just a memory, its banks are now the targets for big European players looking for dramatic growth.

Russia’s bond market got off to a magnificent start in January with Gazprom’s record-breaking issue and it looks set to continue in a similar vein. Ben Aris asks if anything can hold it back.