The economy of South-Eastern Europe is lagging behind most of Europe. Recent studies have highlighted the emergence of a second area after the Pentagon with a high concentration of economic activities. This emergent area is situated in Central Europe but does not reach South-Eastern Europe. The project shall study the three main growth poles in South-Eastern Europe - Athens, Sofia and Bucharest - their relation to the European core development areas, their competitiveness and the role that the three capitals can have individually as well as together in the European polycentric network as economic drivers of South-Eastern Europe. The project should also assess alternatives to overcome the long distances in order to improve the accessibility of South-Eastern Europe and its competitiveness. Achievements: Reports:Final Report - Main Report PDF Final Report - Annex I-III PDF Final Report - Annex IV PDF Final Report - Annex V-VII PDF Final Report - Scientific Report PDF Draft Final Report - Executive Summary and Main Report PDF Draft Final Report - Annex PDF Draft Final Report - Scientific Report PDF Interim Report DOC Inception Report PDF Project specifications PDF http://www.espon.eu/main/Menu_Projects/Menu_TargetedAnalyses/grosee.html