GERMANY AS A LOCOMOTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article aims to explore the role of Germany in the European integration process. The author analyzes the country’s contribution to the revenues and expenditures of the European Union budget, as well as the operating budget balances of the participating countries, and concludes the leading position of Germany in the EU regional policy. The author points out the prevailing share of European partners in the structure of German exports and imports, and therefore emphasizes a high dependence of Germany on a close cooperation with the EU-countries. The article examines the Germany’s position on the enlargement of the Union on the example of the eastern enlargement in 2004. As a determining factor for Germany serves the single market of the integration community and a lower rate of euro compared to the expensive Deutsche mark. Taking into consideration all the advantages and disadvantages for Germany, the author comes to the conclusion of a profitable position for Germany in the EU, so that all the costs of maintaining the integration grouping the country is capable to bear.

European Union, Germany, integration processes, regional economic policy, EU extensions