The initiative, first conceived last year, became a matter of urgency for the EU after the Russian-Georgian war in August. Today's declaration on the Eastern Partnership does not mention Russia by name. But EU politicians and officials say the project is intended to offer neighbors an alternative to Russian influence.
The EU's more ambitious post-Soviet neighbors, Ukraine and Georgia among them, have long complained the bloc's attempts to engage them have lacked a clear agenda, and have been halting at best.
The summit decision is unlikely to fully assuage concerns in Kyiv and Tbilisi. The EU offers the six countries dialogue and cooperation on the basis of joint decisions, but "without prejudice to the decision making autonomy of the EU." There is no mention of a membership prospect. Instead,
visa-free travel and free trade are identified as the only tangible goals for the partners.http://www.rferl.org/content/EU_Set_To_App...rs/1513731.html