The Timeliness of Jerzy Giedroyc’s Eastern Concepts

Abstract

Jerzy Giedroyc published monthly magazine “Kultura” from 1947 to 2000 by the Literary Institute in Maisons Laffitte near Paris. Gradually, “Kultura” become a particular political center based on journalistic writing of authors such as: Juliusz Mieroszewski, Bohdan Osadczuk, Leopold Unger. Juliusz Mieroszewski was the creator of the so-called “eastern concept”, postulating good neighbourly relations of sovereign Poland with independent states of Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus, which will emerge as a result of the collapse of the USSR. The concept was born in the 1950s, and the term ULB was used for the first time in 1973. The influence through journalism consisted in convincing the public opinion to rationalize historical disputes and recognize the aspirations for independence of nations that in the past formed the Republic of Poland. After the geopolitical and political changes in Europe at the end of the XX century, it was recognized that “the eastern concept” of “Kultura” has a current dimension and can form the basis for political actions. Poland, as the leader of these changes, took over the function of Ukraine’s advocate in the European Union. The coincidence of internal circumstances (political fight in Ukraine) and external (changes in the EU, change of priorities) have caused that Ukraine did not become a member of the EU, despite the verified social potential. “The eastern concept” of “Kultura” gave strong grounds for Ukraine independence recognition and support during the Orange Revolution. Giedroyc’ stwin-track activities in the field of shaping political views and changing stereotypes led to very good scientific, cultural and social cooperation. The border regions cooperation is developing. Foundations and non-governmental organizations carry out common effort to promote civil society.