EBRD warns of 'Brussels lace curtain'

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development published its annual transition report on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe this week. The bank operates in 10 EU candidate countries - among them the Czech Republic, of course - and a further 17 countries in the region, including the former Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States. EU enlargement should help all 27 countries, not just the EU candidates, said the bank - a 'Brussels lace curtain' should not replace the old Iron Curtain.