EU ACCESSION AND TRADE INTEGRATION: THE GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE IN THE CASE OF THE EU CANDIDATE COUNTRIES

摘要: In the majority of EU potential members agricultural sector is playing a prominent role. Such an outcome based on high contribution GDP, employment and trade accounts. initiated bilateral liberalization with Western Balkans through establishment ATPs. Furthermore, extended in regional level renewed CEFTA 2006. Despite significant improvement, their export competitiveness remains weak. long run, exports might contribute improvement performance candidates. Main findings gravity model employed this paper suggest that are positively affected by product size (GDP), to lesser extent GDP trading partners. Exports fall increase distance, value greater as larger distance between Therefore, marginal increases far geographical partners increase. Initial assumptions PTAs cultural ties facilities flows were affirmatively confirmed. Trade had positive implication improving candidate countries.