| Abstract [eng] |
In the context of European integration all the time Eastern and Central Europe was recognised like something between East and West, something unknown, mystical and not European. Nowadays, when ten new countries entered the EU Eastern and Central Europe was accepted as a real Europe for the first time and it is important and relevant to analyse the identity of the new EU countries. The objective of the theses is the identity of Eastern and Central Europe, the perception of how society conceptualizes itself and how it is recognised in the eyes of Western Europeans. The aim of the theses is to explore transformations of Eastern and Central Europe identity from the times when the region was not even treated as a part of Europe till nowadays when it became an important participant of EU policy. The main goals are: •To ascertain what the exact region the Eastern and Central Europe is, •To explore how this region was transforming in the development of European integration, •To discover the specifics of the identity; •To explore the transformation from the post-communistic to the European identity; •To analyse the Lithuanian identity’ transformation case. Using the historical-descriptive, analytical-descriptive, comparative and case research methods such conclusions were attained: •Eastern and Central Europe has a specific location and therefore a transitional position between East and West. •The Cold war was the most important event influenced the common identity in the region. •Although the West considered Eastern and Central Europe as one region – East, the different historical experiences, religion and cultures distinguished the region as a bunch of many different countries. •During the independence period some of the countries integrated in the EU structures, some of them were solving inner problems, and some of them were identifying themselves with Russia. At the moment almost all countries are demonstrating their euro-integrational objectives. •Lithuanian support to the new EU candidate countries shows that Lithuania is striving to hold its position in the foreign EU policy playing on the historical experience and understanding Eastern and Central Europe nations. |
