Deutschlands Baltikumpolitik – Zwischen europ ischer Integration und Ann herung an Russland

Germany’s low-key approach towards Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania gave way to the suspicion that unified Germany had chosen to prioritise a Russia-oriented realpolitik over its traditional policy based on ethical norms. The following article rejects this interpretation. The underlying reason for Germany’s constant aloofness towards the Baltic states was its plan to create a peaceful and integrated post-Cold War Europe that led the German government into a predicament: Its role as an EU-integration deepener proofed to be incompatible with its role as an advocate of the eastern-enlargement of the EU. Further-more, its commitment towards a broad and functioning co-operation with Russia was opposed by the CEE-states. As a result, German politicians decided to adjourn EU- and NATO-enlargement and to reduce the number of applicants. For that reason Germany abstained from advocating the Baltic states’ integration into the Euro-Atlantic organisations.