The cost/benefit analysis of the ENP for the EU's Eastern Partners

1. The Eastern neighbouring countries (NCs) can be divided into two groups: one comprised of the countries where ENP’s benefits are (at least rhetorically) acknowledged (Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) and the other where the ENP is viewed with suspicion and where the Europeanisation drive is less palpable (Armenia and Azerbaijan, and, formally, Belarus as well). <p>2. In political terms, “a national consensus” exists in Georgia and Moldova on the need to Europeanise with all major parties supporting the respective bilateral Action Plans; in others (Ukraine), the rhetorical adherence to reform is undermined by strong political cleavages. Still, in other countries, authoritarian tendencies (Azerbaijan) or a preference of integration with Russia (Armenia) bar a real commitment to reforms...