- Acronym: EaP
- Type: Regional Partnership Initiative
- Membership: 6 partner countries, 27 EU member states
- Establishment: Established on 7 May 2009
- Official Language(s): Languages of the member states
- Headquarters: N/A (The Eastern Partnership of the European Union doesn’t have a specific headquarters; activities are coordinated from Brussels, Belgium)
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint initiative involving the European Union, its member states, and six Eastern European partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. It aims to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, stability, and increased cooperation.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union History
The Eastern Partnership was inaugurated on 7 May 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic, following a proposal by Poland and Sweden. It was established as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) with the objective to provide an institutionalized forum for discussing visa agreements, free trade deals, and strategic partnership agreements with the EU’s eastern neighbors.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Structure
The Eastern Partnership is structured around:
- Summit Meetings: Held every two years, bringing together heads of state or government from the EU member states and the six Eastern European partners.
- Ministerial Meetings: Covering various areas such as foreign affairs, economy, energy, and transport.
- Multilateral Platforms: Focusing on four thematic platforms (democracy, good governance, economic integration, and convergence with EU policies; energy security; contacts between people).
- Civil Society Forum: Providing a channel for NGOs to contribute to the process.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Membership
The partnership includes the 27 EU member states and six Eastern European partners:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Ukraine
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Objectives
Political Association and Economic Integration
Enhancing political association and furthering economic integration between the EU and the partner countries.
Visa Liberalization Dialogue
Facilitating people-to-people contact through visa liberalization and readmission agreements.
Sectoral Cooperation
Strengthening cooperation in sectors like energy, transport, environment, and climate change.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Funding
The EaP is funded through the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), with a budget allocated for bilateral programs with each partner country, as well as regional and multi-country programs.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Projects
Comprehensive Institution Building Program
Supporting institutional reforms and capacity building in the partner countries.
Flagship Initiatives
Focusing on key areas like integrated border management, small and medium enterprise development, and environmental governance.
People-to-People Contacts
Encouraging exchanges and building networks among students, researchers, journalists, and civil society.
Eastern Partnership of the European Union Members
The partnership’s collaborative structure ensures a comprehensive approach to the mutual challenges and opportunities faced by the EU and its Eastern European partners, fostering stability, security, and prosperity in the region. The EaP is a testament to the power of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect in international relations.