What the economic crisis means for the EU's eastern policy

The EU's new 'eastern partnership' risks being undermined by the economic crisis. The initiative offers countries like Armenia and Ukraine fresh incentives, such as free-trade agreements and easier visa regimes, to adopt European norms of democracy and open markets. But as Tomas Valasek warns, protectionist pressures in Western and Eastern Europe are frustrating plans for deeper economic integration and easier travel. Valasek argues that the EU governments should persevere with the eastern partnership, and suggests ways for the EU to protect the initiative from the effects of the economic crisis.