P/E/258. Dissertation. Unofficial economy in post-socialist countries of Eastern Europe

The dissertation investigates the relationship between the shadow activities and economic growth in transition economies focusing on Bulgaria. A review of literature provides definitions of the concept Ëunofficial economy; outlines its causes and effects in post-socialist countries during transition; discusses the implications of corruption, tax dodging, etc. The research uses estimation methods and techniques including surveys based on questionnaires and interviews (direct methods) and analysis of secondary data including currency demand method. The consequences of Bulgarian shadow economy are described at macro- and microeconomic levels. Conclusions are made on the basis of scatter plot analyses measuring the size of unofficial economy and official economic growth in East European countries.