Eastern Partnership: Resilience tested, progress achieved
The year 2023 proved a crucible for the Eastern Partnership nations, as the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russian influence in the region presented significant challenges.
However, the year also witnessed the rise of civil society and the strengthening role of the European Union, offering glimmers of hope for progress in 2024.
"We're seeing a continuous metamorphosis from states largely devoid of active civil society to those fostering vibrant communities," noted Mark Mazureanu, an expert at ASIST Analytics. This transformation, he attributes in part to the EU's European Neighborhood Policy, which empowers civil society organisations to become effective partners in development and governance.
The Ukraine war, however, necessitated a shift in focus for the EU. "The Union has taken on a critical security provider role for these countries," asserted Elena Mârzac, director of the Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives. Security and defence assistance now forms the core of EU engagement, encompassing border management, internal affairs development, and crisis resilience strategies.
Despite the turbulence, 2023 concluded on a high note for Moldova and Ukraine, as both countries received the green light for EU accession negotiations on December 14th. This milestone marks a significant step towards closer integration and long-term stability for the region.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
