What are the options for EU aid post-2013? Coinciding with the beginning of negotiations around Europe’s multi-annual financial framework, this paper sets out a series of new recommendations for European aid mechanisms.
All five Central Asian states are weak in terms of rule of law, good governance and democracy. The EU chose to devote specific attention to the rule of law through a regional initiative with Central Asian partners' participation. What is the current state of the initiative and is the EU on track?
Relations between the EU and Russia have improved since 2010. Unlike in the immediate neighbourhood, where Moscow perceives Europe’s presence as a threat to its interests, the Russia–Europe partnership could be productive in Asia.
Through concerted engagement and a difficult compromise, the EU has overcome some reticence at the UN General Assembly and gained in May 2011 enhanced modalities for participation in the work of the UN. The challenge will be to use them well.