Functioning of low competetive economy in the integrated economic space

Having entered EU, Lithuania (as well as other "new" countries) has found itself economically integrated with the countries whose economic potential was incomparably higher. At the same time Lithuania has lost traditional, protectionist and defensive instruments of economic sovereignty. Therefore, the entrance to the EU has not only created new economic possibilities but has also generated complex problems concerning the protection of the economic safety. The present paper in a certain measure attempts to bridge this gap. On the basis of the analysis of modern theories of the international integration the economic policy of low competitive states and the possibilities of economic integration with incomparably stronger economies and chances to protect national economy from destructive influence of unequal competitive struggle are discussed.