EU Relations with Eastern Countries and the Situation in Ukraine

The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint initiative of the EU and 6 eastern European partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) that aims to bring these countries closer to the EU. Russia considers the Eastern Partnership as an attempt by the EU itself to expand its "sphere of influence". Since the Orange Revolution of 2004, the Ukrainian issue becomes the balance of relations between the EU and Russia. The 2014 Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine put a strong emphasis on democracy and the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance. a well-functioning market economy and sustainable development. According to a Report produced by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, in 2017 Ukraine has pursued a number of reforms in its Association Agenda, with several significant successes.