How the Visegrád Group reshaped Central Europe’s turbulent history
The Visegrád Group, an informal alliance of Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, was established in 1991. This East-Central European region, once shaped by powerful dynasties, has a rich history marked by periods of independence and foreign influence.
After World War II, the region spent four decades behind the Iron Curtain, with attempts at freedom crushed by Soviet tanks. However, the end of World War I saw the collapse of empires that had dominated the area, leading to the reemergence of independent states.
The term 'In-between Europe' has been used to describe this region, but its inhabitants prefer 'Central Europeans'. Throughout history, East-Central Europe has been sandwiched between powerful neighbours like the Carolingian Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Soviet Union. Today, the Visegrád Group serves as a platform for cooperation and dialogue, with roots tracing back to a meeting at Visegrád Castle in 1991 to discuss EU and NATO accession.
The Visegrád Group, with roots in the Middle Ages and a complex history, continues to navigate its place in Europe. Despite recent divisions with the EU over migration and corruption, the region remains a significant player in European affairs.
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