The transformation process that sustainable development requires, is even more difficult for countries in transition.
The complex difficulties countries in transition experience trying to reach sustainable development can be described as the following obstacles: (a) political and public priorities in countries in transition are presently dominated by economic and social problems; (b) growing disparity between countries in transition necessitates tailor-made approaches to learning about sustainable development; (c) sustainability is impossible without building sustainable economic and institutional infrastructure; (d) the economic sector and public awareness are the most important immediate targets for environmental education in countries in transition; and (e) sustainable development requires change towards co-operative mentality.