Itäeurooppalaiseen

Itäeurooppalaiseen is a Finnish adjective meaning "Eastern European." It is used to describe people, cultures, things, or geographical areas associated with Eastern Europe. The term itself is a combination of the Finnish words "itä" (east) and "eurooppalainen" (European).

The geographical and cultural definition of Eastern Europe can vary. Historically, it often referred to the part of Europe that was under Soviet influence or aligned with the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. This included countries such as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia), Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). More broadly, it can encompass countries in the eastern part of the continent, sometimes including parts of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and the Balkan countries.

Culturally, "itäeurooppalainen" can refer to shared historical experiences, linguistic families (like Slavic languages), religious traditions (Orthodox Christianity being prominent in many areas), and distinct artistic, culinary, and social customs. When used in Finnish contexts, it often highlights characteristics perceived as distinct from Western European norms, though these distinctions are fluid and subject to interpretation. The adjective is a common descriptor in discussions about history, politics, culture, and demographics.