OREANDA-NEWS. September 22, 2011. While the recent slump dragged down its indicators of economic growth compared to other Central and Eastern European countries, Estonia boasted the lowest corruption, least bureaucratic tax system, and most successful applications for EU funding, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The analysis, released at an economic forum in Poland last week, measured the successes of Central and Eastern European countries - 10 EU members and eight non-EU members - since the 2004 EU enlargement.

Not surprisingly, Estonia's GDP per person and pace of economic growth - the latter going deeper in the red than most countries in the region in 2009 to 2010 - left it behind in the comparison.

But in addition to low corruption and an admirable tax code, Estonia was the most successful applicant for EU funds. It also made great strides in the IT sector, and life-long learning was reported more widespread than in any other country.