The results of the Linkage dimension of the Eastern Partnership Index 2018-19 are now available online – together with an interactive radar chart and a downloadable version of the full text. The Linkage Eastern Partnership Index consists of three main dimensions: International Security, Political Dialogue and Co-operation; Sectoral Co-operation and Trade Flows; and Citizens in Europe.

AA countries remain leaders in the Citizens in Europe section, having higher levels of people-to-people contacts, especially thanks to visa liberalisation regimes. Overall, Georgia led in Linkage, improving its scores in all sections. Moldova ranked second, maintaining a higher position thanks to an increase in its people-to-people connections with the EU but continued declining in terms of the International Security, Political Dialogue and Cooperation, owing to decreased political dialogue with the EU and a reduction in financial assistance.

Moldova and Ukraine continue to lead in the Sectoral Cooperation and Trade Flows section, maintaing strong trade relations with the EU. Armenia recorded significant improvements in a number of areas, most significantly in the Political Dialogue with the EU. However, Azerbaijan and Belarus continue to be the weakest performers in all sections, due to a lack of cooperation frameworks comparable in ambition and depth to the Association Agreements or CEPA, and reduced participation in EU programmes facilitating people-to-people contacts.