The Formation of the Eastern Partnership (EaP)
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) was launched in 2009 as an initiative of the European Union (EU) aimed at
strengthening relations with six Eastern European and South Caucasus countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Belarus,
Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The EaP is part of the broader European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and
focuses on political association, economic integration, and sectoral cooperation between the EU and its
eastern neighbors.
1. Background and Reasons for Creation
A. The 2004 and 2007 EU Enlargements
- The 2004 enlargement brought Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
and Slovenia into the EU, along with Malta and Cyprus.
- The 2007 enlargement added Romania and Bulgaria.
- As a result, the EU's eastern borders expanded, bringing the union closer to post-Soviet states.
B. European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and Its Limitations
- The 2004 European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) aimed to enhance relations with neighboring regions.
- However, it lacked differentiation between Eastern Europe and Southern Mediterranean countries.
- Eastern European countries, especially Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, sought closer ties with the EU.
C. Polish-Swedish Initiative (2008)
- Poland and Sweden proposed the Eastern Partnership in 2008, advocating for a special EU policy for
Eastern European nations.
D. The 2008 Russia-Georgia War
- The war demonstrated the vulnerabilities of post-Soviet states and intensified EU involvement in the
region.
E. The Prague Summit and Official Launch (2009)
- On May 7, 2009, the Eastern Partnership was officially launched at the Prague Summit.
2. Objectives of the Eastern Partnership
- Political and economic integration through Association Agreements (AAs) and Deep and Comprehensive
Free Trade Agreements (DCFTAs).
- Promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
- Visa liberalization and academic/cultural exchanges.
- Sectoral cooperation in energy security, digital economy, and environmental policies.
3. Challenges and Criticism
- Russian opposition and pressure on EaP countries.
- Internal political instability in partner states.
- EU's limited commitment and financial support.
4. Impact and Achievements
- Closer integration for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia through Association Agreements and visa-free
travel.
- Increased trade and cooperation between the EU and EaP states.
- Strengthening of civil society and democratic institutions.
5. Future Prospects
- EU candidate status granted to Ukraine and Moldova in 2022, with Georgia likely to follow.
- Differentiation among EaP states, with some seeking deeper EU ties while others maintain balanced
relations with Russia.
- Continued geopolitical competition in Eastern Europe.
Conclusion:
The Eastern Partnership has played a crucial role in shaping EU relations with Eastern Europe and the
South Caucasus.
The future of the EaP will depend on EU commitment, reforms in partner countries, and evolving
geopolitical dynamics.