The Changing Nature of Germany's Relationships with the Visegrad 4 Countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic)

This project focuses on Germany's relationship with the Visegrád 4 (V4) countries individually and collectively. It is a collaboration between Aston University, the University of Birmingham and the Jacques Delors Centre, a major think tank based in Berlin.

Understanding the relationship between Germany and the V4 countries can contribute to our understanding of power dynamics within Europe. At the centre of these dynamics lies the question: to what extent does the interplay of identity, history, and political preferences and interests shape bilateral and multilateral relations, including those within institutions such as the European Union? This project will take a nuanced approach which recognises and emphasises that the nature, quality and intensity of relations vary between areas of policy. Through exploring the potential conflicts between trade ties and economic dependence, national and European security, migration, and minority rights, this project will contribute not only to our knowledge of this region, but also to the field of area studies more generally.

Germany and the V4 countries all had to begin a process of national rebuilding after the Cold War, navigating between national sovereignty, concepts of 'East' and 'West', Europeanism and globalisation. The definition and implications of European identity in each country will be a key theme within this project. Analysis of each country's commitment to the idea of Europe will be based on exploring perceptions within each country of its international roles and responsibilities, and what it means to be European. Does Germany identify with a concept of 'western Europe', and how is this reflected in its relations with the V4 countries? To what extent do the V4 countries - to varying degrees - want to resist European integration?

A central area of interest is Germany's influence in the European Union and how the V4 countries fit into Germany's vision of the European project. Is Germany a willing or a reluctant...