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European Union–Eastern Partnership relations: Challenges and future opportunities

European Union–Eastern Partnership relations: Challenges and future opportunities
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SIPRI, Signalistgatan 9, Solna

As the Eastern Partnership (EAP) marks its 10th anniversary this year, the European Union (EU) and Ukraine are both under new leadership. The political guidelines published by Ursula von der Leyen, the new President of the European Commission, do not seem to put a strong emphasis on Ukraine and the EU’s partners to the east. By contrast, Josep Borrell, the designated High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, listed supporting democracy and the territorial integrity of Ukraine first among his priorities.

In Ukraine, the population still supports accession to the EU but increasingly believes that it must map out an independent path with its neighbours. The general orientation of Ukraine remains to the West, but the new leaders may want to promote a better relationship with Russia, to the degree that is possible.

The panel discussion assessed the current challenges and future opportunities for EU relations with its partners to the East, with a special focus on Ukraine.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Slovakian Embassy in Sweden. Slovakia holds the 2019 Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

 

Panellists

Alexander Duleba, Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA)

Anastacia Galouchka, International Centre for Policy Studies (ICP), Kyiv

Karina Shyrokykh, Swedish Institute for International Affairs (UI)

Katarina Areskoug Mascarenhas, Head of the European Commission Representation

Jakob Lewander, Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies (Sieps)

 

Moderator

Dr Ian Anthony, Director of SIPRI’s European Security Programme

 

Participation at the event is by invitation only. 

For further information please contact Alexandra Manolache, Communications Officer, Tel: 0766 286 133, Email: alexandra.manolache@sipri.org.