Kaliningrad question

Kaliningrad question, or Königsberg question, is a political question concerning the return of Kaliningrad oblast to Germany, from the Russian Federation. The question is mostly hypothetical, as the German government has stated it has no claim to it.[1][2] Still some consider its status as a Russian territory to be erroneous.[2]

One of the main reasons for the desired return of Kaliningrad is due to its history. Inesis Feldmanis, head of the Faculty of History and Philosophy at the University of Latvia, has been quoted saying that the Soviet Union's annexation of Kaliningrad is "an error in history."[2] Kaliningrad, or Königsberg, had been a part of a German state (the Teutonic Order, Kingdom of Prussia, and the unified Germany) for several centuries before the Second World War, and the city was historically a rich German cultural centre, being the home of among others the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The subject is still an emotional one for many Germans, due to the expulsion from the area in 1945. Various support groups for descendants of the expellees and refugees lobby for the return of the area to Germany, and many Germans pilgrimage to the city to examine their roots.[3]

Other than emotional, ethical and historical reasons, there are also strategic and economic interests in the return of Kaliningrad to Germany, as it would further strengthen Germany's Baltic economy. Among the strategic reasons include the elimination of Russia's nuclear warhead launch sites, and military activity in the exclave, and the expansion of the European Union, as well as its disconnection from Russia proper. The economical factor, such as the estimated cost of return, remains one of the main arguments against a return, as well as the potential price. Another issue would be its now predominantly Russian population, with only a 0,8% German minority[3] present after the flight and expulsion of its once German population, and subsequent history under the Soviet Union.

It was rumored in 2001 that Germany was in talks with Russia to arrange the return of Königsberg in exchange for the waiving of a £22 billion debt owed to Berlin.[3]

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ The Kaliningrad Question, p. 83
  2. 1 2 3 "If Russia Gets Crimea, Should Germany Get Kaliningrad?", Moscow Times.
  3. 1 2 3 "Germany in secret talks with Russia to take back Konigsberg", the Telegraph
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