This paper deals with the causes and consequences of inequality and poverty in the countries east of the new frontiers of the European Union, mainly with the CIS countries. Poverty and inequalities in the former socialist countries were partly mitigated by the social policies of the state. The transition processes, however, have resulted in new distributions of income and wealth. The new structural sources of poverty and inequalities have often been more extreme. Some CIS countries have moderated poverty, which nonetheless persists in most CIS countries, in spite of some economic improvements.
Social dimensions of the transitions -- Social dimensions of the transformation -- The evolving labour market -- Small entrepreneurs, the informal sector and rural problems -- Poverty and inequality -- Growing inequality and the new social stratification -- Challenges for national social governance -- Conclusion.

23 p. : tables

Includes bibliographical references (p. 21-23).