'It is not often that we have natural experiments on the scale of German Unification and the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union where countries with very similar prehistories as part of the Soviet Bloc are both integrated into a larger entity. But while in one case a nation-state disappeared into another, in the other it became the member-state of a supranational body via the EU's process of Eastern Enlargement. What were the differences in trajectories, in personalities, in negotiation processes of bargaining and persuasion, in power relations, and in the experiences of citizens and the elites? This remarkable book provides deep insights into transplantation versus adaptation models of integration, enriched by interviews with almost all the key actors on both sides: East and West German as well as EU and Czech interlocutors. This is a must-read for all those fascinated with the histories of German unification and EU accession.' Vivien A. Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, Boston University, USA 'The comparison between the German unification and the accession of the Czech Republic to the EU explains two ways of transformation which could not be more different. In both cases, EU policies and institutions played a significant role. Tereza Novotna's book is based on first-hand information from the actors at this time. It shows what the EU can deliver if there is enough commitment and leadership.' Professor Gunter Verheugen, former EU Commissioner for Enlargement (1999-2004) 'For anyone who has ever played the part of an actor in significant political events, it is extremely interesting to look at them through the eyes of a knowledgeable author. This book written by Tereza Novotna offers an important reflection of those events. I am positive that this monograph will become a book of great significance.' Vladimir pidla, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (2004-2009)