At the very heart …

Many things in life are a question of perspective. Germany sees Poland as their neighbour to the east. Since Poland joined the EU in May 2004, they have formed the eastern border to non-EU countries. Nevertheless, Poland considers itself predominantly as Central European. Indeed, with its population of more than 37 million, this republic considers itself geographically as being in the middle of Europe, and the geographic centre in the town of Suchowola. At least this was how the Polish cartographer and astronomer Szymon Antoni Sobiekrajski calculated it in the 18th century.

There are also regions in Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and parts of Germany that also covet this unofficial title. However, it is difficult to determine the very heart of Europe as different aspects need to be taken into account, and it is also unclear where the borderline between Europe and Asia actually runs through. (bre)