BACKGROUND Main objective: Exchange of information on economic and social reforms in Slovakia, transition economies and the European Union Specific objectives: 1. Application of the knowledge acquired from the existing reform process in Europe and discussion about the future of economic and social reforms in the European Union - ideas and interests of the old and new member countries 2. Presentation of the accession countries as an opportunity for foreign investment - advantages and challenges Description: The accession of post-communist countries into the European Union is, after the fall of communism, another radical change in European history. The common interest of the old and new EU members, as written in the Lisbon Strategy, is in sustainable economic growth and a high standard of living. To achieve these objectives, the enlargement of the European Union is not enough. Deepening globalization and the threats resulting from the ageing population represent new challenges that Europe is facing today. The ability to react more flexibly to changes of the environment and thus to create an area suitable for long term investment is needed more than ever. The existing experience of Slovakia, other Eastern European countries and even current members of the European Union confirms that to meet these challenges, deeper change in economic and social rules is unavoidable. The majority of European countries have already begun making some changes, but their advance is more or less non-coordinated. Some have made bigger progress than others. In order to provide the best possible outcome and to break the resistance that reforms often engender, the establishment of information channels about the reasons, content and consequences of economic and social reforms is necessary. The goal of the conference “Economic Reforms for Europe” is to create a platform for the exchange of such information. This may contribute to the future application of knowledge from the existing reform process in different parts of Europe without repetition of possible mistakes. It should also help to solve problems of macroeconomic harmonization (“The Stability and Growth Pact”). Within the European Union, the sharing of the ideas and interests of the old and new member countries will play an important role regarding the speed and quality of reforms. As this process moves forward, the ability to profit from the existing experience of reform countries may be crucial. Among them, Slovakia has recently begun to implement critical changes in almost all areas of social life. The conference participants had an opportunity to obtain detailed information about most of these changes. Furthermore, the conference presented opportunities for foreign investment in accession countries and provided information about the advantages and challenges these countries offer to potential investors.