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Poland East-Central Europe and the European Union’s Policy towards Russia
Jacek Wieclawski

Abstract
This article refers to a possible role Poland and other East-Central European members would be able to play in the European Union and its policy on Russia. Joining the EU the new members have been determined to influence the Community’s relations with Moscow yet their aspirations have been confronted with the reality of the EU’s decision making mechanisms. The lack of experience and problems with regional coordination have soon limited significance of East-Central Europe in the European Union. The experience gained together with the membership has finally contributed to the new members’ understanding of the EU’s coalitions of interests. Yet there are still problems with regional cohesion and common East-Central European position. Besides, the EU’s policy on Russia remains the game of national interests. Thus, without the solidarity between the new and old members of the European Union the East-Central European influence on the EU-Russian relations might be limited.

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