Central Europe Revisited: Why Europe's Future Will Be Decided in the Region

Description

More than 30 years after their momentous book "Projekt Mitteleuropa", which had been written before the fall of the Iron Curtain, Emil Brix and Erhard Busek revisit the political space between Germany, Russia and the Mediterranean. The volume explores the role of Central Europe in the 21st century, the importance of the European Union, the significance of a transforming Central Europe for European unity, and what happens when we marginalise Central Europe. The view of the authors is unequivocal: European integration will only succeed when the Central European countries from Poland to North Macedonia, from the Czech Republic to Romania and Moldova, will be seen as being at the heart of Europe. The European Union needs to build more common and fair ground between "old" and "new" member states. According to the authors, any further move towards a "Europe of two speeds" would lead to a break-up of the EU. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Acknowledgements Prologue: The geopolitical space between Germany and Russia and the rediscovery of the Mediterranean 1. Where victory in the cold war began… The breakthrough and its consequences Definitions of the concept of Central Europe The difficult relationships with neighbours Central Europe’s cultural identity History as a means to the construction of identity “Us” and “the others” Quo vadis Europe? 2. Central Europe: The long journey to integration Upheaval in the communist states No blueprints for Central Europe The long shadow of history The importance of regional co-operation The fragile stability of Central Europe Co-operation in Central and South-East Europe 1 strategy - 12 priority areas 3. The EU expands eastwards On aspirations to freedom and life in the market economy The arrogance of the west The undervalued role of culture A Europe of variable speeds The significance of the visegrád group The European conundrum Ten measures for designing a new Europe Ten measures for reforming Europe 4. The crises at contested borders Between blocks and between epochs Ukraine Belarus Moldavia Imagining the Balkans as part of Europe The hurdles in the way of western Balkan integration in Europe 5. Powerful neighbours: Guarantee or danger? The foreign policy players in Europe A geopolitical patchwork On the need for restructuring European security 6. Nationalism without end? No resolution to boundary disputes Pawns in the hands of the great powers? The new nationalism Fewer borders, more solidarity 7. The economy as engine of development and mirror of its problems Economic integration – Mostly a success story Factors promoting or hindering growth Dangers for political stability The Danube: A missed opportunity? Economic and political initiatives for co-operation The opportunities of globalisation 8. The role of religion The Mediterranean as cradle of European culture Confrontation with orthodoxy – An unresolved schism Europe and Islam: “Society” versus “Community” The integration of Islam in Europe Migration, a herculean task for Europe 9. Migration: On moving in and moving out The importance of borders The challenge of migration for the EU Pluralism, a fundamental strength of Europe 10. The contribution of Central Europe to Europe’s future Austria and the Czech Republic – A complicated relationship The necessary dialogue with civil society A Europe of values instead of a Europe of markets Replacing the idea of “dominant culture” with the dialogue of civil society The ambivalent heritage of Central Europe From the periphery into the heart of Europe European integration on hold Central Europe: The future of Europe Epilogue: Democratic development in Central Europe Direct democracy and populism The missed chances for regional co-operation Political errors The danger of a divided Europe Bibliography Index