Külpolitika - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 1995 (1. évfolyam)
1995 / 3-4. szám - ESEMÉNYNAPTÁR - Resumé
Resume First, the study focuses on a historical overview in order to understand the specific features of Hungarian "regionalism". Then the main issues of Hungarian-German relations are dealt with. In this context, key areas of security, political and economic cooperation are analyzed. It is stressed that Hungarian-German relations do not follow the classic policy taker vs. policy maker pattern. These relations are not an independent actor but part of the general European and Euro-Atlantic framework ("intermediary regionalism"). This is particularly valid in security terms, for Germany is not a military power. In addition, the two countries do not share common borders and their historical relations have not been burdened with adverse experience. Moreover, for long lasting and more recent motives, Hungary does not have any "inferiority complex" against Germans. The traditional pattern of "dependence" is manifested in economic relations, although even here, Hungary's trade, investment and financial relations seem to be relatively well balanced. The next chapter is dedicated to Hungary's non-German linkages in the framework of extended regionalism. Here, global alternatives, the role of the European Union, and the possibilities of subregional cooperation are surveyed. The concluding remarks underline that Hungarian—German relations represent an important element of building positive and open regionalism in Europe. They can contribute to global opening, European integration and subregional cooperation. The future of these relations, as well as the future of Germany and of Europe substantially depend on the European Union's answer to Eastern enlargement. The more this enlargement is postponed, the higher will be the chance of a "German Europe" instead of a "European Germany". There is no doubt that everybody in Europe, including Germany, would prefer the second option. However, decisive steps for its implementation should be taken immediately — and not least by the European Union. György Farkas: Options and Chances for the Euro-integration of Hungary In April 1994, the Hungarian government officially presented its application for full membership to the EU. Ever since, expectations have been raised that a preparatory strategy and programme would be elaborated, adopted and implemented, especially to foster and facilitate the process of integration in the microsphere. In this context, evaluating the recent situation the author points to the need to "integrate the process of integration", because of its rather unbalanced, fragmented mood and poor management. The "pre-integration" phase itself, called for by the Essen summit of the EU, also needs to be identified, taking into account, however, 254 Külpolitika
