Germany And East-Central Europe: Political, Economic And Socio-Cultural Relations In The Era Of EU Enlargement

Politics Monographs The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) has been widely regarded as the locomotive for major economic and, increasingly, political developments in Europe. Germany's political leaders consistently justified its integrationist policy direction and provision of around 60 per cent of net transfers to the European Union (EU) by reference to a consolidation of peace and security, and to its trade interdependence with EU states. The EU has undertaken its largest ever enlargement to include eight and later at least two more countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Focusing on the period leading to these states formal accession, this book examines relations between Germany and, principally, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. These three comprise East-Central Europe (ECE). The book incorporates political-diplomatic, economic-commercial, and socio-cultural fields, and correlated bilateral and multilateral contexts. Whilst aiming for topicality it also is mindful of powerful historical influences on contemporary European politics. It pursues the following enquiries: What were the motivations for German policies towards these countries and EU enlargement? What developments or forces assisted or countered them? What characterises popular attitudes to common themes in Germany and ECE? What effects do different sectors and actors have on processes of integration and on bilateral relations? What reciprocal effects are there with wider international affairs? What benefits and costs does enlargement present for Germany?