The book discusses the trade and economic interdependence of the EEC and the countries of the Council for the Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) and the institutional problems associated with this relationship. This study of EEC-CMEA relations provides valuable insights into such questions as the impact of the formation of trade blocs on the development of world trade and the difficulties that arise in coordinating external commercial policy among states with separate treasuries, monetary authorities and foreign ministries. The book compares the process of economic integration in Eastern and Western Europe and points our hitherto neglected similarities. It traces the evolution of the dialogue between the EEC Commission and the CMEA Secretariat and the development of the Soviet views on Western European integration - a matter of vital importance in assessing the potential for business like relations between the two integration blocs.