Geneza międzynarodowej integracji polityczno-gospodarczej w Europie

Abstract

The article raises the issue connected with the genesis of the international political and economic integration in Europe. The introduction deals with a correlation between political and economic integration. The next part shows the beginnings of international integration in Europe dating back to the Roman Empire times. The author emphasizes the fact that the beginnings and reasons of integration were first and foremost dictated by the political factor. The 19 th century and the development of capitalism caused the economic factor to play more and more important role in the process of integration. It is shown by the successive concept of integration discussed in the article. The author describes: “Mitteleurope” concept, Richard CoudenhoveKalergi’s “Paneurope” concept and Aristide Briand’s idea of a United States of Europe. The final part says about Poles who participated in the European process of integration. In the conclusion the author writes about the importance of political and economic motives in the historical process of shaping the international integration. The author stresses the fact that the aim of economic arguments is to strengthen the political decisions.