The European Union is one of the external players in the
post-Soviet space, considering the region from the point of view of a rich resource base and a new affordable market. Having taken shape as a subject of
international relations in 1992, the EU began to spread its influence in the
countries of the post-Soviet space. The article examines the evolution of
the approaches of the European Union to independent republics. Initially, the
post-Soviet space was perceived by the leaders of the European Union as one
whole, and the mechanisms and instruments of influence were universal for
all countries of the region (Partnership and Cooperation Agreements; TACIS
technical assistance program).
Due to the failure of a unified approach, the EU has begun to develop
programs and strategies based on the specifics of individual regions of the
post-Soviet space: Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia. As a result
of the targeted impact on states, taking into account regional peculiarities and
challenges, the European Union has managed to achieve some success. The
obvious victory of the European neighborhood policy was the emergence of
an “associated trio” with the participation of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia,
who made their “European choice”. The countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia are not interested in adapting to European values and standards,
but they have a positive attitude to the investment investments of the European Union in the regions and are open to expanding trade and economic ties,
which indicates the partial participation of the EU in the processes of the postSoviet space.
post-Soviet space, European Union, European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument, Eastern Partnership, strategies for Central Asia, cultural code change