The difference between Eastern and Central Europe is subjective and lacks a universal definition. The UN defines Eastern Europe as Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Central Europe’s definition is unclear, but some countries have attempted to define themselves. The fall of communist regimes has confused the definition of Eastern Europe, and Central Europe may become more clearly defined in the future. Some organizations merge both regions into one category.
The difference between Eastern Europe and Central Europe is a matter of perspective and personal definition. Simply put, there is no unambiguous and universally accepted definition that clearly defines which countries are included in Central Europe and which in Eastern Europe. In some cases, some countries may make both lists, further adding to the ambiguity of the terms.
The United Nations has a clearly defined term for Eastern Europe. Includes the following countries: Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation, Slovakia and Ukraine. However, the United Nations is silent on what Central Europe might represent, preferring instead to separate the European continent into regions of North, South, East and West.
Historically, since the mid-20th century, the term Eastern Europe has come to mean those countries which have been separated from Western Europe by political philosophy. Much of this definition had to do with countries that were connected to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, since the fall of many of those communist governments, the countries that define this region have been subject to change.
Central Europe, on the other hand, can include many of these countries as well. Again, as there is no universal definition, it can be very difficult to tell which countries are in Central Europe. However, some countries have attempted to define themselves. The Travel Association of Central European Countries includes the nations of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
As can be seen from this association, the fall of some communist regimes has confused the definition of Eastern Europe. Indeed, as political divisions are no longer so extreme, Central Europe may soon be a clearer definition. This travel association is made up of both countries that would have been considered Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War. Thus, as we move away from the 20th century, the term Central Europe may become more clearly defined.
Often some organizations bypass the definition of Central and Eastern Europe altogether. They do this by merging both groups into the same category and may even include the two geographic areas in their official names.
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