Transformation of Germany's European Union policies in the post-Cold War era

Germany was defeated in World War II and was divided into two, West and EEDC Germany, by the agreements of the Allied Countries. West Germany, which exists as Federal Republic of Germany today, was founded in 1949 as a semi-independent state. Its geographical location at the border of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics increased its importance within the NATO alliance. The European integration process, started with the Schuman Plan, enabled it to be accepted in the Western World. West Germany successfully made use of this process to regain its independence and consolidated its position in the Western world in a short time. The European Common Market was an opportunity for the highly industrialised West German economy, and by the 1970s it became the most economically developed country in Europe. With the dissolution of the USSR, Germany has achieved the goal of Unification with EEDC Germany and has become the biggest power in Europe in terms of economy and population. The changing balance of power in favour of Germany in the aftermath of the Cold War led to the transformation of Germany's policies in the European Community / European Union and increased its influence in the European integration process. The aim of this study is to reveal the principle of change and continuity in post-Cold War Germany's European integration policies and also to discuss its effects on the European integration process.