Developments in contemporary Mitteleuropa are of central importance for the future of the European integration process and the reshaping of post-cold war European security. This paper seeks to outline a theoretical framework for analysing what is undoubtedly one of the crucial hinges of change in Mitteleuropa, namely Germany's evolving relationship with the countries of East Central Europe. The central argument advanced in this paper is that security in Mitteleuropa is inextricably intertwined with the dynamics of the wider European integration process. The aim of this paper is to explore the nature of the link between security and integration, in order to develop a conceptual framework for analysing the changing pattern of German-East Central European relations. The paper is structured into three sections. The first explains why Germany's relationship with the Visegrad countries is of such far-reaching significance for the future of European security and integration. The second section outlines a conceptual framework for analysing this evolving relationship based on the concept of a 'security-community,' originally developed by Karl Deutsch and his associates in 1957. The third section seeks to adapt and develop Deutsch's analytical framework by utilising some of the insights of the 'new institutionalism’ and of social constructivism. It focuses in particular on the three concepts of interests, identities and institutions, which together provide a set of analytical tools for adapting and developing the concept of a security-community
