"The reviewed book represents a reference work summarizing the main characteristics of regional development issues in Central and East European countries, members of the European Union. It is a synthesis of the structural characteristics, differences and common features of regional development with a focus on the socio-economic processes. Among the most effective parts of the book, I would like to mention its synthetic character: the authors managed to provide a comprehensive view on regional development issues in the CEE region. Such a study closes a significant gap in the scientific knowledge of this region. Of particular interest, in my opinion, is the cross-cutting issue, which can be identified across all the chapters of the book, namely, evidencing the role of capital cities and metropolitan regions, which seem to be more integrated into the broader European urban system than within their own hinterland."- Igor SÎrodoev Ovidius, University of Constanta and University of Bucharest, Romania