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Eastern dimension and the Balkans / Working Paper

The democracy promotion policies of Central and Eastern European states

18/03/2008 By Laurynas Jonavicius

© European Community Justus Lipsius

The European Union’s new member states (NMS) from Central and Eastern Europe have quickly made their mark on European foreign policy. In particular, they have gained some reputation as active supporters of democracy promotion.

This paper outlines the factors that account for the NMS’ (still relatively idealistic) attachment to democracy support. It also attempts to elaborate the differences among the NMS, which are routinely understated.

Due to their geographical location, the NMS have a shared interest in the promotion of a strong EU “Eastern policy”. The perception that all Central and Eastern European EU members share the same goals and interests towards Eastern neighbours and Russia is widespread in many Western European states.

However, the differences between the NMS are significant and each has its own vision of the role it should play inside and outside the EU. By taking a closer look at the strategies, priorities and interests of the different Central and Eastern European states this Working Paper illustrates that the new EU members are far from being a homogeneous group.

The common experience of recent democratic transition has not translated into identical positions on external democracy promotion.

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Keywords

Bulgaria Czech Republic Democracy promotion Development cooperation Eastern Europe and Russia Estonia EU Foreign Policy European Neighbourhood Policy European Union Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia

Related publications

• The Stabilisation and Association Process: are EU inducements failing in the Western Balkans?
• Unfinished Business? Eastern Enlargement and Democratic Conditionality

Bio author: Laurynas Jonavicius

Laurynas Jonavicius is the Head of the Policy Analysis and Research Division of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre and a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science in Vilnius University (Lithuania).