What the EU does
The EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood encompasses six countries in Eastern Europe and South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is the eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Launched in 2009, it provides a framework for the EU’s relations with these countries, with a strong focus on strengthening political, economic and security stability along the EU’s eastern borders.
The EaP also supports the implementation of global policy objectives, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the UN 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals.
Belarus withdrew from the EaP in 2022. Nevertheless, the EU continues to cooperate with key non-state Belarusian stakeholders, including civil society organisations and democratic forces working towards a democratic Belarus.
Areas of action
Aiming to strengthen relations between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
Addressing common challenges including democracy, conflict resolution, environmental protection, energy and transport
EU funding programme aimed at increasing effectiveness of the EU’s external policies
Mobilising investment to support infrastructure and private sector development
Strengthening global connections through investments in infrastructure, energy, digital systems and people
Developing higher education and academic mobility in partner countries
Key achievements
- Through the Global Gateway, EU funding of €4.3 billion has leveraged an estimated €18.4 billion to support private-sector development and improve energy, transport, digital and green connections and infrastructure.
- The EU4Business initiative has supported 375,000 small businesses, created 400,000 jobs and sustained more than 3 million jobs since 2020.
- Thanks to the EaPConnect, 280 research and education institutions – and more than 650,000 students, scientists and researchers – benefit from strengthened digital links with their counterparts in the EU.
In focus
In May 2025, the EU presented a new strategic approach for a stable and secure Black Sea region, strengthening links between Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia and beyond. It aims to enhance security, stability, and resilience, foster sustainable growth, and support environmental protection and climate change resilience. It also seeks to strengthen the EU’s geopolitical role in the region.
In October 2025, a Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda was launched to boost trade, investment and socio-economic development through resilient and efficient transport, energy and digital connections.
This page was last updated on 16 January 2026