Evolution of the European Political Community in Times of the EU’s ‘Geopolitical Awakening’

Abstract

The latest developments on the global scene, notably Russia’s war on Ukraine, not only accelerated the European Union’s review of available measures to stabilise its neighbourhood, but also ignited a search for new forms of structuring relationships with its neighbours. With the inauguration of the European Political Community, the differentiation principle driving those relationships was enhanced. The new endeavour was not, however, conceived according to the blueprint, hence raising the crucial question about whether this was a relaunch of the EU position in its vicinity or a redundant layer added to the already complex reality of European foreign policy. Additionally, with the lack of even a simple written communiqué released after the summits, questions regarding its institutionalisation remain open.

Keywords

• european political community
• ‘wider europe’
• enlargement
• european neighbourhood policy