INTEGRATIONAL PROJECTS FOR CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPE IN 1944–1947: THE SLOVAK PERSPECTIVE

Ivan Borovets,

Ph.D. (History), Associate Professor,

Kamianets–Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Kamianets–Podilskyi, Ukraine

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2025.30.1

 

Abstract.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the ideas and projects of integration of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the context of the situation in the international arena in 1944–1947. The methodological basis of the research is the principles of historicism and consistency. The author has widely used problem-chronological, comparative and biographical methods. The scientific novelty of the article is determined by the absence of research devoted to this scientific problem in Ukrainian historiography. Conclusions. The author has found out that integration plans were a significant part of the negotiations between the governments-in-exile and groups representing different countries of the region. London became the center of their interaction. The British authorities and Prime Minister W. Churchill personally welcomed these integration efforts. It seemed to be a way to resolve interethnic conflicts in CEE and consolidate the region for the fight against communist expansion.
In the spring of 1944, the «Central European Committee» was founded in London. One document from the US Central Intelligence Agency, which was prepared in December 1946, contained information about the activities of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations, led by Ukrainians, and the Central European Federal Club (CFC) with the Poles as the most significant players. The Rome centre of the CFC suggested the Intermarium integration project. Its goal was to create a confederation of 16 nations between the Baltic, Black, and Aegean Seas. The London center of the CFC consisted of representatives of 10 nations and anticipated a federal union for countries «between Germany and Russia».
The idea of supranational associations in CEE was very attractive to Slovak politicians. Adherents of different foreign policy orientations (Czechophile, Polonophile, Ugricophile) could find a common platform in it, as well as supporters of complete independence for Slovakia. After all, Slovak national-state rights would be better guaranteed in a system of regional federation or confederation than in a dual state union with any of Slovakia’s neighbors. Therefore, integration ideas were fully supported by leading Slovak political emigrants of various groups — M. Hodzha, S. Osusky, P. Pridavek, F. Durčansky, K. Sidor.

Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe, integration, political emigration, Central European Federal Club, Intermarium, confederation, Slovakia.

 

Submitted 15.11.2024

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