In 2009, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were only able to maintain their dynamic growth to a limited extent due to the difficult economic conditions and negative developments of individual currencies. Overall, the premium volume written fell by 9.9% to € 1,153 million (2008: € 1,279 million). Adjusted for the negative currency effects, however, the premium volume on a local basis grew by 4.0%. In the Eastern Emerging Markets, the premium volume grew by as much as € 164 million to reach € 241 million (+46.7%) due to the inclusion of the companies in Romania for the financial year. Overall, the CEE & EEM regions therefore contributed 20.1% (2008: 22.2%) to the Group premiums.
