L'Allemagne et l'Europe centrale

In: Politique étrangère: revue trimestrielle publiée par l'Institut Français des Relations Internationales, Volume 61, Issue 3, p. 615-630

Abstract

Germany and Central Europe, by Monika Wohlfeld
The litmus test for an united Germany's foreign policy whose parameters have heen swept away by the end of the Cold War remains, due to both geographical proximity and 'demons of the past', its relationship to CEEC. These states constitute actual or potential allies, markets and suppliers. But Germany is also probably the EU country most directly affected hy the difficulties of transition. Therefore Germany must maintain a policy directed at stabilization of these countries. In order to avoid any Germany's 'reluctant return to power', Bonn needs support and hurden sharing — German pressure for enlargement of EU and NATO follows this logic.