European Union Courts Former Soviet States
“Eastern Partnership” Initiative Officially Begins
May 7, 2009
This new relationship is known as the "Eastern Partnership" and it is a an ambitious outreach program centered on bringing Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova closer to the European Union. According to Radio Free Europe, a formal summit declaration explains in broad terms that the "Eastern Partnership" is designed to promote political, economic, and social reforms based on the European Union model, which in turn should contribute to increased prosperity and stability within the region.
Russia has expressed deep skepticism and growing concern over this initiative, partly due to its interpretation of this new partnership as a direct incursion into its traditional sphere of influence. Although European Union officials have disavowed any intention to replace Russia´s traditional influence and power over these states, some observers believe that this is exactly what the "Eastern Partnership" will do.
Crisis Management for Former Soviet Republics
One issue of concern for many analysts is the overall stability of these states as regards their volatile relationship with Russia, and problems with democratic and economic development. Particularly problematic are Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Belarus is governed by an unrepentant Soviet-style dictator, Georgia was recently at war with Russia, Moldova has recently suffered from violent civil unrest due to questionable election results; and Ukraine has suffered from Russian energy embargos and direct political interference in its affairs.
These problems are part of the motivation for the European Union´s "Eastern Partnership" initiative, but they are also possible hindrances to any future success. Nicu Popescu, a research fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told the New York Times that: "There are new priorities on the agenda which were not so obvious last year, including the need to stabilize these countries, which are moving from one crisis to another...The focus is less on structural adjustments or institution-building and more on crisis management".
New European East-West Divide
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a previous meeting with his European Union counterparts warned against the creation of new east-west dividing lines within Europe. Russia has already seen N.A.T.O. move in on its "traditional territory", so a European Union move in the same direction may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel´s back. Many European Union member states have also expressed concerns over closer economic and political ties with former Soviet republics; especially if they would include visa-free movement and increased free trade.
However, many international observers would caution against letting such perceptions interfere with a positive and productive relationship between the European Union and these former Soviet republics. In order to promote democratic development, economic stability, and security; the European Union must engage with them at a deeper and more committed level. For example, the summit declaration states that the "Eastern Partnership" will strive to actively "create the necessary conditions to accelerate political association and further economic integration" between the two groups of states.
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