Progress and Regress
Relations between Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany since 1989
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
With the ascension of Poland and the Czech Republic to the European Union in 2004, the road seemed clear for a final reconciliation with the Germans and for fruitful cooperation in Europe. However, reform fatigue and the participation of populist, nationalist and euro-sceptic groups in Eastern-Central Europe have, after a phase of rapprochement, led to stagnation or, in the case of Poland, a chill. Historical disputes as well as differences concerning relations with the United States and Russia as well as Europe’s future are putting a strain on bilateral relations and putting at risk further European integration.
(Osteuropa 10/2006, pp. 41–50)