Eastern Dimension: The Relations with the Eastern Neighbours

Abstract

This thesis sought to answer three questions: The empirical questions were: What has changed in the CFSP after the Eastern enlargement and why has the Eastern Dimension been initiated? The theoretical question was: Which theories provide an adequate explanation to my argument? After the enlargements in 2004 and 2007, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova became neighbours of the European Union (EU) and Russia's importance grew. Although the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) included these countries, Poland put further emphasis on them. The enlargement put these countries to a closer axis to the Union and led to the initiative of Eastern Dimension. Since Eastern Dimension is not a formal policy, it can be taken as the intensification of relations with the Eastern neighbours in general, through the ENP and bilateral relations. I utilized rationalism, constructivism and Copenhagen School theory to answer above mentioned questions. According to rationalists (liberal intergovernmentalists), interest in the East originates from instability concerns of the region and economic intentions, notably energy. According to constructivists, the main aim is to export liberal values and norms to the Eastern neighbours. The Copenhagen School showed how the EU leaders tried to justify their security acts towards Eastern neighbours, mainly in their ENP speeches. In benefiting the methodology which uses cases to test theories, I concluded that normative power Europe aspect makes more sense in explaining the initiation of an act towards Eastern neighbours.<br> <br> Key Words: Eastern Dimension, the CFSP, Eastern enlargement, rationalism, constructivism.<br> <br> Characters: 82. 458