Frontiers and horizons of the EU

The EU has new neighbours – but does it also have a strategy? Since its enlargement on May 1, 2004, the European Union borders on Belarus, Russia and Ukraine; Moldova will become a direct neighbour in 2007. Which of the EU’s eastern neighbours will be offered an accession prospect? Which will remain buffer zones on the European map? Or will some gravitate towards Russia as result of Russia’s own neighbourhood policy? Shortly before the tumultuous election in the Ukraine, politicians and experts from the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, the old and new EU countries gathered in Lviv. Under the chairmanship of Roger de Weck they analysed the possibilities and deficiencies of the EU’s new Neighbourhood Policy. While EU representatives defended it as a coherent, fair, and forward-looking offer, participants from the new neighbours criticized its lack of substance, visions, and resources. Still, the discussion resulted in concrete recommendations regarding geopolitical options, overcoming regional conflicts, and exploiting the new neighbourhood’s potential.