The peoples of Central and Eastern Europe had freed themselves from the dictatorship of Communism and the all-embracing grip of the Soviet Union.
Bhí muintir Lár na hEorpa agus Oirthear na hEorpa saortha ó dheachtóireacht an Chumannachais agus scaoilte as greim uilechumhachtach an Aontais Shóivéadaigh.