A lack of political will for regional cooperation is evident. Some of the motivations behind this stem from rivalry and competition to be the first country in the region to be integrated into the European Union. These countries must realize that the West is not supporting this competition and is reluctant to import these conflicts. The chances for integration would increase if the CEE countries could demonstrate their capability of handling their own problems. So far, cooperation in the CEE region has been limited by, among other things, the countries' disinterest in dealing with other countries who cannot financially assist them.
Financial assistance is still a criterion for looking for a partner.
Competition for Western environmental financial assistance also reduces the incentive for cooperation within the CEE region. There is no strong tradition upon which to build regional environmental cooperation. On the contrary, many historical problems still impede cooperation and thus, the simple transfer of experience and the development of economic ties has been very limited. Indeed, better economic cooperation within the region would go a long way towards solving national and regional environmental problems. Environmental protection activities can provide a starting point for this cooperation, aiming towards a common goal.