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Because of dynamic processes of creative economy development and resistance to the crisis of modern creative industries which occurs mainly in metropolitan areas, the interest in understanding these local processes as a factor of bringing international trade competitiveness and providing convergence among the countries where those metropolises are situated is of great value. The EU, and Central and East Europe (CEE) in particular, is not an exception. This paper reveals the most productive creative industries in the EU; fins out the impact of metropolises' creative activities development on countries' international specialization. Perspective products' and geographic patterns relating creative products' international specialization for CEE countries, especially for those which have recently signed association agreements with the EU (Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia as an important East Neighbour for the EU) are grounded. Using inter- and intra-trading estimations, the positioning of CEE countries in the EU 28(+3) international specialization pattern is indicated. The product specialization of metropolises in CEE countries which may (or may not) contribute to further internationalization of creative industries in these countries has been revealed in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within Europe, processes of economic convergence and divergence operate at various geographical scales, resulting in a very uneven geographical landscape. As mentioned in the international literature, the European economic space is characterized by a core-periphery structure. From this point of view, tourism has important significance since it is a noteworthy activity in the European Union and contributes to employment, income generation, overall development and economic rejuvenation of rural, peripheral or underdeveloped areas. There has been a shift in the nature of tourism demand driven by changes in consumption patterns, namely an increasing emphasis on more personalized or on specialized forms of tourist packages. This aspect required smaller and more flexible provision that created niche markets capable of providing peripheral areas the opportunity to capitalize on their comparative advantages associated with their natural environments, cultural heritage, and the role of local food in reinforcing personal identity and authenticity. The purpose of this study is to analyze EU's Eastern periphery (Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia) niche tourism markets potential and identify a few guiding principles that may lead to sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]