The Visegrad Group and Germany: Relations in the Context of the Crisis of European Integration

Recent crises led to intensification of the contradictions within the European Union. In this context, the confrontation between the Visegrad group and Germany became particularly noticeable. During the migration crisis, the Visegrad group opposed the migration policy, which Germany promoted at the level of the European Union. Thus, the Visegrad group opposed one of the leaders of the EU, but primarily one of its main trade and economic partners. However, after the referendum in the UK, following which the UK decided to leave the EU, there was a significant change in the balance of power within the EU. At a time when the EU is in the process of finding a way to further development, the role of Germany becomes crucial. These changes led to contradictions in the national interests of the Visegrad countries. Аs a result the unity of the Visegrad group began to weaken. The present study represents a comprehensive analysis of relations between the Visegrad group and Germany in the context of the crisis of European integration.