The Eastern Partnership Conundrum

TOOMAS LUKK, Ambassador of Estonia

As one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, it is in Canada’s DNA to support those who want to follow the path of democracy, rule of law and human rights.

The European Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative must remain an inclusive effort of strategic importance in building a common space of stability, economic growth and well-being. Canada’s engagement with Eastern Partnership countries complements the efforts of the European Union and its Member States.

Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the European Union’s (EU) Eastern Partnership (EaP) initiative designed to strengthen cooperation between the EU and its partner countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Although Russia sees these countries as belonging to the so-called post-Soviet space and its sphere of influence, an orientation toward Europe has been a central part of these countries’ political agenda. This year, the Covid-19 pandemic, the national awakening movement in Belarus, and hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh have created new pressures that are testing the resilience of the EaP initiative. These events raise important questions of what the future holds for the EaP.

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