L'Est de l'Europe et l'Allemagne : des rapports complexes

Abstract

The Complex Relationships between Eastern Europe and Germany, by Hans Stark Since the opening up of East European countries, their democratisation and change over to market economies, dialogue has naturally increased between the Eastern and Western halves of Europe. Germany is the principal beneficiary of the new situation and Ostpolitik has gained a new lease of life. Initiatives in this respect have not failed to arouse certain reservations and suspicions on the part of Western neighbours, who alas have a tendency to underestimate Germany's difficulties with regard to its East European relations. It has to overcome distrust based on memories of the war and anti-German propaganda used by communist regimes as well as fear of German economie domination. All these factors bring great complexity to its dealings in the East.