The article examines how trade between Central and Eastern European countries and the European Union changed from 1984 to 2004. By looking at different factors like economic conditions and trade costs, the researchers found that trade between these countries has been getting closer over time. They used a model to calculate how much trade could happen between these regions and found that trade has been increasing steadily. The study shows that trade convergence is happening in European transition countries, which can help policymakers in these countries make better decisions about trade.