According to *Berliner Zeitung*, Germany is observing the successful transformations of Poland, Czechia, and Lithuania with a degree of envy. These countries navigated the shift away from communist rule without the financial assistance often associated with the former East Germany, which relied heavily on support from West Germany. The German publication questions what lessons can be learned from the independent paths taken by Poland, Czechia, and Lithuania. The differing approaches highlight a contrast in post-communist development strategies within Eastern Europe. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the East German model, which prioritized financial backing from its wealthier counterpart. The article suggests Germany is examining how Poland, Czechia, and Lithuania achieved progress through self-reliance.