A changing eastern neighbourhood

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Crimea and the pro-Russian separatists’ violent takeover in the east of Ukraine have reminded us that peace, stability and prosperity cannot be taken for granted. Having experienced nearly 70 years of peace among the members of the EU, we may have become complacent about peace and security. In May citizens of many EU member states commemorated the Second World War, but most of all, they took a moment to think about their freedom. For a moment, many EU citizens felt close to the people of Ukraine, who are struggling for freedom and peace. This year, 2014, is also the year that Central and Eastern Europe is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its joining the EU. The accession has brought stability and prosperity to the region in a short period of time. Formerly state-run economies, the countries of the former Eastern Bloc transformed themselves into market-based economies, and they now enjoy pluralist democratic political systems. This is what the EU wants for the eastern neighbourhood as well. With that purpose, the EU developed the Eastern Partnership initiative, its main policy tool for the region, to bring about prosperity, security and stability. Through cooperation between the EU and the governments, political parties, business worlds and civil societies of these countries, gradual reform can bring the necessary change: change that will lead to vibrant societies with democratically elected governments. Nonetheless, developments in each of the countries demonstrate that the political situations are fragile. Moldova and Georgia are making great efforts to come closer to the EU. Armenia’s European path is less certain. Ukraine is the most complicated, with the country divided into pro-European and anti-