| Intermarium | |
| Settlement Type: | Region |
The Intermarium region comprises a group of geographically contiguous Central and Eastern European countries that share a common historical, social, and cultural identity. Many were socialist buffer republics, either Soviet republics or otherwise subordinate to the USSR. As a region, they form a land buffer from the Baltic to the Black Sea[1] that could balance future Russian influence in Europe.[2] [3]
The term has gained currency in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine,[4] as humanitarian and military aid has been offered to Ukraine, increasing its defence resources (GDP).[5] [6] Support for Ukraine has also included many countries that have condemned Russia's actions and imposed sanctions, including Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Other assistance includes accelerated and expanded energy projects; communications projects; and various NATO defence projects, including NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence.[7]
The definition of the Intermarium region as a geopolitical centre does not refer to Józef Piłsudski's similarly named concept for the federalisation of European states. The term "Intermarium Region" refers to close cooperation within the European Union.[8] The creation of the Eastern Partnership, the Bucharest Nine, the Visegrád Group, and later the Three Seas Initiative created a regional dialogue on issues affecting the member states.[9] [10] [11] The Lublin Triangle was established to strengthen mutual military, cultural, economic, and political cooperation and to support Ukraine's integration into the European Union and NATO.
The countries bordering Ukraine and Russia are exposed to the effects of Russian energy blackmail and the economic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Intermarium region, together with the countries of the European Union, has accelerated energy, communications, and defence projects[12] and will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine,[13] which has become an official candidate for membership in the European Union. This will enable these countries to form a future buffer from the Baltic to the Black Sea, balancing Russian imperial influence in Europe. The American geopolitician George Friedman refers to the Intermarium region in his works and speeches.[14] [15]