FAO regularly conducts global and regional reviews of aquaculture status and trends, most recently during 2005 and 2006. The present regional review and synthesis for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) provides an overview of major issues and trends in the aquaculture sector. The dominant technology is carp-based polyculture production in ponds. Production declined significantly following the political and socio-economic changes in the early nineties. Since 1996, production is gradually increasing. Aquaculture is an important supplier of healthy food for local populations, and will continue to contribute to rural development. During the Astrakhan workshop in 2005, 13 NASOPAFAD country review studies and the draft Regional Aquaculture Review were presented and discussed. A series of common issues, constraints and trends were recognized for the region covering: predominance of carp production, low production levels, inefficient farm management and marketing, lack of skilled staff, financial and legal problems. Four major thematic areas were analysed: (a) policy framework, legislation and institutional systems; (b) farming systems, species and technologies; (c) processing and marketing (consumers' demand, labelling, certification); and (d) social aspects (food supply, employment, income generation). The workshop highlighted the following points: (a) the significance of aquaculture development in CEE has to be emphasized; (b) governments and other policy-makers should be informed about the opportunities and need of developing a sustainable aquaculture sector; (c) producers should recognize consumer demands and the increased market competition with other commodities; and (d) NACEE can play an important role in facilitating the information exchange in the region. The regional review indicates that there are opportunities for integrating aquaculture with other activities, for enhancing exports, and for strengthening institutional capacity building. There is need for research, technology development and investment to improve sustainability of existing farming systems, to promote diversification using additional and high value species, and to expand marine production systems. There is significant scope for improved human resources development, for better collaboration among farmers, and between science and practice, and for international collaboration, within the region and with institutions and organizations outside the region.