ABSTRACT
Eastern Europe’s hope for a ‘return to Europe’ remained a distant and remote possibility during more than 40 years of communist rule, but the Yalta agreement to divide Europe was always regarded by East Europeans as artificial and ultimately transient. When communism collapsed there were high expectations of a speedy end to this artificial division. Originally, the new post-communist elites throughout Eastern Europe intended to hold referendums that would underline the historical and cultural symbolism—as well as the economic importance—of joining the European Union (EU). Poles identify fairly strongly with Europe, and pro-EU campaigners in Poland tried to obscure the distinction between ‘Europe’ and the EU. The people would trade their newly won and much-treasured sovereignty for recognition as full members of a restored Europe. The EU accession treaty fails to resolve these fears. Instead, it merely phases in both the advantages and disadvantages of membership.
