Study - Is the Eastern Partnership still fit for purpose after the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Scenarios and alternatives

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is planning to launch a procurement procedure for a study on 'Is the Eastern Partnership still fit for purpose after the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Scenarios and alternatives.

This announcement is made pursuant to Annex I.14 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, to award a low value contract as a result of a negotiated procedure. It is published ahead of the procurement procedure with basic information on the subject matter of the contract to give interested economic operators the possibility to express their interest in participating as tenderers in the subsequent procurement procedure.

All economic operators established in the European Union, European Economic Area and countries with a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, with proven experience in conducting studies on related topics, may express their interest in participating.

DESCRIPTION

The Eastern Partnership, launched in 2009, is a policy designed to foster relations between the European Union and the six partner countries in its Eastern Neighbourhood (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), to facilitate the domestic reform process and support European integration. It has also been a key instrument in promoting democratic development across the region. In 2019, ten years into the initiative, with its opinion on 10 years of Eastern Partnership: reflecting on achievements and shaping the future policy of the EaP (REX/520), the EESC contributed to the Commission's structured consultation, which aimed to design an Eastern Partnership policy that 'delivers for all'.

Today, the Eastern Partnership is going through the most difficult times of its 13-year existence. The brutal war waged by Russia on Ukraine, and supported by the Belarusian regime, has fundamentally changed the West's approach to international relations and security and its policy towards Russia. A fragile ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, democratic backsliding in Georgia, the refugee crisis in Moldova, the cruel crackdown on civil society, the opposition and independent journalists in Belarus, are other major challenges, with the health and energy crisis constantly in the background.

The recent decision of the EU Council to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status and to recognise Georgia's European Perspective was a deliberate political signal to the troubled region but also a recognition of the progress made in recent years in the implementation of the EU Association Agreements with the three countries. While the principles of differentiation and conditionality have helped secure progress for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, the EU should be cautious of further fragmenting relations with and within its Eastern Neighbourhood.

Against the backdrop of other regional and political initiatives, such as the Association Trio put together by the leaders of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, or the more recent project of the European Political Community, launched by President Macron, there are ongoing discussions about the future of the Eastern Partnership and its added value. Can it be complementary and beneficial to these schemes?

The aim of the study would be to outline possible scenarios for the future of the policy, from its possible suspension to further strengthening its role and its multilateral and regional prospects. Should the Eastern Partnership be seen as a sign of a 'light at the end of the tunnel' for pro-democratic forces in Belarus and Azerbaijan? Or should it be seen as a platform for strengthening regional security? Certainly, a better global understanding of possible strategies towards the region would be essential to develop counter-strategies and proactive programmes and influences.

Languages/geographical area

The study should be carried out in English, and cover Eastern Neighbourhood countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine), the EU and Russia.

Indicative timeline

  1. Launch of the invitation to tender: 4th quarter 2022.
  2. Contract award: 4th quarter 2022.
  3. The final study report is expected within 5 months following the signature of the contract.
  4. Deadline for submission of tenders: approximately November 2022.

DATA PROTECTION

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DISCLAIMER

Please note that this announcement does not create any obligation for the EESC to launch a procurement procedure. The EESC will take the submitted information into account only to identify potential candidates. Expressing interest to participate in a negotiated procedure of this type does not create any legal right or legitimate expectation on the part of any economic operator, and the EESC has the right to cancel the procedure at any time. The procurement documents will only be provided to the identified candidates, and any tender received from a legal or natural person not invited to tender will be rejected.

Contact

Expressions of interest in participating or requests for further information should be sent via the following contact form:

Deadline

Thursday, November 3, 2022 - 16:00