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Introduction
Since the launch of the Eastern Partnership post-2020 agenda, the region has undergone profound transformations, shaped by geopolitical shifts, internal political crises, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine—which has arguably led to a multi-tiered Eastern Partnership. The EU’s engagement has evolved in response, balancing support for democratic reforms with the realities of political instability, economic hardship, and growing security threats. However, implementation gaps remain.
The Eastern Partnership policy plays a vital role in providing safeguards in times of democratic backsliding, increasing authoritarianisms and democracy deficiencies, and remains the only channel for civil society to maintain dialogue within the EaP countries and with the European Union.
Continuing investing in effective rule of law and democratic institutions is the only way not only to maintain the investments of the past but also, and most importantly, to secure long-term, sustainable change. Civil society acts as a driving force for democratic reforms and as a constant interlocutor, a platform for stakeholder communication within the Eastern Partnership countries and with the EU. However, shrinking civic spaces, growing state repression against civic activists, media and civil society, and the absence of structured participation mechanisms undermine its effectiveness. The halt of the US funding is further impacting civil society’s capacity to operate and remain relevant.
The event will focus on the main challenges faced by civil society in participating in decision-making processes on national reforms on the rule of law in the Eastern Partnership countries and explores best practices to strengthen its influence while also addressing regional dynamics and shared challenges.
We invite you to join us for a discussion on Wednesday 14 May 2025 between 11:30 – 13:00 CEST at the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, Avenue de Cortenbergh 120, 1000 Brussels.
Agenda
| 11.30 – 11.35 | Welcome remarks Mr Lasha Tugushi, Co-Chair, Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum |
| 11.35 – 12.35 | Speakers Ms Anastasia Pociumban, Research Fellow at German Council on Foreign Relations, Author of the paper ‘Advancing democratisation in the Eastern Partnership countries: the role of civil society in national reforms, and European integration’ Ms Radica Nusdorfer, Team Leader for Good Governance and Inclusive Society, Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), European Commission Ms Paloma Hall Caballero, Team Leader, Eastern Partnership and Regional Cooperation, Directorate for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, European External Action Service Ms Maria Piechowska, Ukraine Analyst, The Polish Institute of International Affairs Moderator: Mr Andrea Raimondi, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum |
| 12.35 – 12.55 | Q&A session |
| 12.55 – 13.00 | Conclusions Ms Anh Helge, EU Coordinator of EaP CSF Working Group 1, Coordinator of the Swedish Network for the Eastern Partnership, ForumCiv |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Networking lunch |
