Furthermore, although relations with the East remained impervious – given the tight grip maintained on the Soviet countries in application of the principle of limited sovereignty – our Europe, which was managing to forge itself into an area of peace, freedom, economic development, free markets and social solidarity, nevertheless held a fascination, or at an least attraction, for the countries of the East.
Ina theannta sin, cé nach ndearnadh aon dul chun cinn chomh fada agus a bhain le caidreamh leis an Oirthear – mar thoradh ar an ngreim daingean a bhí ar na tíortha Sóivéadacha agus prionsabal na ceannasachta teoranta – bhí ár nEoraip ag déanamh dul chun cinn sna réimsí seo a leanas; síocháin, saoirse, forbairt eacnamaíoch, na saormhargaí agus dlúthpháirtíocht shóisialta.