DISINFO: Aim of the Eastern Partnership is to separate Russia's neighbours from it
SUMMARY
Even before 2014 an alarm signal was sounded for EU-Russian relations when the Eastern Partnership initiative was launched. It’s main aim was to separate Russia from its closest neighbours, with whom it has been linked for centuries. The sad consequences of this selfish policy are still felt today.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West, and in this case the EU, of separating Russia from its neighbours.
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint policy initiative which aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU), its Member States and its six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Read more about the Eastern Partnership and its priorities here.
The Eastern Partnership initiative is not against any country; it is a mutually beneficial and constructive platform for countries in the region to build a closer relationship with the EU if they choose to do so. The EU does not demand any of its partners to make a choice between the EU or any other country. The Eastern Partnership stands for good neighbourly relations and respects the individual aspirations and ambitions of each partner country.
Furthermore, there was, in fact, a clear record of strong cooperation between the EU and Russia, dating back to 1994, when the two sides negotiated a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Russia was identified as a strategic partner for the EU and was the only country with which the EU held summits not once, but twice a year.
A new EU-Russia agreement was being negotiated up until 2014, at which point talks were suspended due to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Negotiations were also in train on visa facilitation. There was also cooperation between the EU and Russia on a number of foreign policy issues, some of which continue to this day. The EU and its Member States have maintained a clear policy of reaching out to Russian society and youth, mainly through the Erasmus+ student exchange programme and other people to people contacts.
Read more on the most repeated myths about the Eastern Partnership initiative here.