The Eastern Partnership Programme

With the diminishing effectiveness of coercion measures aimed at Moldova in the economic and energy spheres, Russia is increasingly relying on elements of its 'soft power'. This encompasses the fertile informational environment in Moldova, where Russian narratives tend to be easily absorbed by the public. This phenomenon has persisted since Moldova's independence but was largely ignored, especially by political stakeholders, until the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014.

The prospects for progress in the process of accession to the European Union (EU) primarily revolve around two core areas: enhancing domestic readiness within the candidate countries in the Western Balkans as well as Ukraine and Moldova, and adapting the EU’s enlargement toolbox to ensure the accession process is effective and irreversible.

In light of the outbreak of the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has launched a series of new Common Security and Defence Policy missions in its eastern neighbourhood. This emerging trend marks a notable milestone in the EU's geopolitical aspirations in the region. This edition of the EESC bulletin describes the profiles of the missions deployed by the EU in Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia and analyses their rationale from the EU point of view and the implications for the host countries.

Against the backdrop of the objective decline of Russia’s external legitimacy, Russia has adopted a new Foreign Policy Concept, which was published in March 2023. This document emphasises Russia’s humanitarian cooperation with the world as a whole and its regions, particularly those where it has traditionally exerted an influence.

To speed up the process of European integration of the trio, the EU must use the same approach and tools as it applies to the Western Balkans, which have a long positive experience in relations with the EU due to pre-accession policies.

Ensuring a concrete perspective of EU membership for Ukraine, as well as for Moldova and Georgia, should be a strategic security objective for the logic of future EU enlargement.

The EU wants to stabilise its proximity and foster progress there, while its neighbours need financial support to overcome obstacles in the process of change.

The level of political and public anxiety in Moldova is high and more prominent than ever since the Russian aggression against Ukraine began on February 24.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania hosted the online discussion Perspectives of Ukraine’s Accession to the European Union to delve into the circumstances surrounding developments in Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, starting with the proposals for state to be granted accession candidate status.

Right now, the EU may be the most trusted international actor in the region, but to maintain sustainable visibility, it should be more proactive and inventive, the paper suggests.

Due to geographic proximity and strategic position, the stability of the Western Balkans is crucial for the Euro-Atlantic area.

The run-off of the presidential elections turned into a big occasion of celebration for the pro-reform electorate at home and in the diaspora.

To begin with, the Serbian election was important because the country is seen as the frontrunner in the EU integration race.

The date of the elections was set by Parliament on May 21, shortly after the country had emerged from a 2-month COVID-19-related state of emergency.

In recent years, the EU has made considerable efforts to help Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to carry out internal reforms.