The EU’s Eastern Partnership in Action

A Conversation with Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy

Recognizing the European Union’s vital interest in maintaining stability, good governance and open markets on its Eastern borders, in 2008 Poland and Sweden presented a proposal for the creation of an enhanced cooperation framework between the EU and six countries in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus - Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. The “Eastern Partnership” is a platform aimed at strengthening the EU’s political and economic ties to these Post-Soviet states by promoting democracy, energy security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Since its launch in May 2009, the Eastern Partnership has scored some success in amplifying relationships with Europe’s eastern flank, but it has also experienced some disappointments, especially in Ukraine and Belarus. To assess the realization of the Eastern Partnership, the prospects for its Eastern members, but also the challenges that it will encounter, on November 29 the Center on the U.S. and Europe at Brookings and the Heinrich Boell Foundation (HBF) will host a roundtable discussion with Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy.  The event is part of the continuing Brookings-HBF series on the future of the European Union.
 
Mr. Štefan Füle started his term as Commissioner in February 2010. Prior to that, he served as Czech European Affairs Minister and Czech First Deputy Defense Minister. In his accomplished diplomatic career, he has served in numerous positions within the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including as Ambassador to Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and, most recently, NATO.

This is an invitation only event. Please contact Carey Nickels at cnickels@brookings.edu for questions.