The Influence of the Refugee Crisis on the EU's Perspective of Eastern Partnership

Given paper represents analytical overview unpacking the relationship between the refugee crisis and the EU’s perspective towards the Eastern Partnership countries. It reviews the journey of the creation and development of the EaP policy by paying a special attention to the changes reflected in the Joint Declaration of the Riga Summit participants. The paper also analyses the revision in the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) as well as tries to explore the intra-Union dynamics happening as a result of the huge influx of the refugees to Europe. Special attention is also paid to Russia’s possible influence on the refugee crisis (considering its engagement in the Syria crisis and Assad’s backing) on the one hand and EU’s position vis a vis the EaP countries on the other. A key trend is identified that within the current challenging context the EU is less proactive and more cautious when it comes to its partnership with the EaP countries.