DISINFO: The Eastern Partnership Programme is against Russia
SUMMARY
According to many experts, from the very beginning, the Eastern Partnership programme was aimed at weakening Russia’s geopolitical influence in Eastern Europe, as well as creating alternative energy supplies for Europe.
RESPONSE
No evidence or expert opinion given. This message is an example of one of several pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives accusing the West, and in this case the EU, of encircling Russia. The Eastern Partnership programme is not directed against any country, including Russia. It is a joint policy initiative which aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union, its member states and six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Within this framework, guiding the EU's relations with its neighbours is the EU’s Global Strategy and the European Neighbourhood Policy, which calls for the need to focus on increasing the stabilisation and resilience of the EU's Eastern neighbours. See here for more information about EaP's objectives and a joint commitment to deliver tangible results for citizens across the region.