jkb
11 Feb 2013
History / POLAND: EASTERN or CENTRAL European country? [1080]
I would say geographically, countries such as Poland, Slovakia or Hungary are Central European countries. Consider a parallel line originating in Ural mountains and ending in western Ireland. I'd say its middle point lays within, or even east (albeit close), to Poland's boundaries. Considering the political aspect in determining Poland's location, these countries used to be a part of Eastern Bloc. Hence, one could easily say they were in Eastern Europe. However, today, when all these countries are part of the EU and Schengen, you can say they belong to the West.
I would say geographically, countries such as Poland, Slovakia or Hungary are Central European countries. Consider a parallel line originating in Ural mountains and ending in western Ireland. I'd say its middle point lays within, or even east (albeit close), to Poland's boundaries. Considering the political aspect in determining Poland's location, these countries used to be a part of Eastern Bloc. Hence, one could easily say they were in Eastern Europe. However, today, when all these countries are part of the EU and Schengen, you can say they belong to the West.