Progress and regress - Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany since 1989

With the ascension of Poland and the Czech Republic to the European Union in 2004, the road seemed clear for a final reconciliation with the Germans and for fruitful cooperation in Europe. However, reform fatigue and the participation of populist, nationalist and euro-sceptic groups in Eastern-Central Europe have, after a phase of rapprochement, led to stagnation or, in the case of Poland, a chill. Historical disputes as well as differences concerning relations with the United States and Russia as well as Europe's future are putting a strain on bilateral relations and putting at risk further European integration.