Stocktaking of EU democracy support towards the eastern neighbourhood

This working paper provides an overview and critical analysis of European Union (EU) democracy support actions towards the eastern neighbourhood. It puts a particular emphasis on the period since the commencement of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) in 2009 up until the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. In doing so, the paper provides a comprehensive mapping as well as critical analysis of EU’s democracy support activities in the eastern neighbourhood over time. It takes stock of the challenges and opportunities, seeing the factors contributing to success or failures and reflecting on the recommendations that can be made to address the inefficiencies of the past with a view to tackling the challenges of the future.