Investors should remain cautious in face of current Eastern promise

The Debate

This week's conjecture panel discuss Eastern Europe in light of EU proposals

Recent referendums in France and the Netherlands on the proposed European Union constitution have focused public attention on the future of the organisation. A key feature of both campaigns was the importance given to the EU's expansion eastward. The potential benefits of convergence and high growth in the region means managers who specialise in the emerging Europe and those who invest on a wider European basis have to take a view on the pace and extent of this trend. Ghadir Abu Leil-Cooper, fund manager of the Baring Eastern European fund and co-manager of the Baring New Russia fund, an...