From a “Ring of Friends” to a “Ring of Fire” – The Failed Dream of Middle Europe

Officially, the European Neighbourhood Policy was born in 2004. After the eastern enlargement of the European Union, it became necessary to come up with a coherent strategy with regard to the neighbouring states of the EU. However, although the problem seems to have been caused by the fall of the Iron Curtain, the underlying issue is in fact much older. Already during the 19th century European economists wondered how Europe’s position could be ensured in a world where players like the Russian Empire and the USA made their appearance. Establishing a safe environment and international market European countries have access to has preoccupied economists for more than 160 years. Evidently, Europe has been – and still is – an international player active in security and peace – just not a successful one.