The Evolution of Central Europe

Editor's Note: This is the first in a three-part series on Central Europe's changing views of the European Union and Russia. Part 1 examines the history of the Central European countries' alignments with either Moscow or the West. Part 2 examines the national interests shaping each Central European country's ties with the West and Russia. Part 3 looks at the varying interests that will continue driving Central Europe's policies toward the West and Russia.

With the European Union and Russia both undergoing significant internal changes, Central European countries are re-evaluating their strategic positions. Over the past century, the six countries that occupy Central Europe — Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria — have had similar relationships with regard to these two powers. Throughout the Cold War, they were collectively aligned with Russia, but after the conflict ended they opted to align with Europe and the United States instead.