Think Tank Network on the Eastern Partnership
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Timeline of activities

The network has produced a variety of events and publications that focus on the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Some events are public, while others are closed-door workshops for network members and often feature high-level representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and DG NEAR.


How we work

  1. Policy Events and Networking
    • EaP Think Tank Network Colloquium (CQ): An annual event focused on policy discussions, capacity-building, and research exchange among think tanks, researchers, and EU institutions.
    • High-Level Annual Event in Brussels: A yearly public event that brings together key EU decision-makers and EaP think tank representatives to discuss trends and strategies in neighborhood policy.
    • Strategic Brainstorming Meetings: Small, closed meetings held twice a year to generate new ideas and discuss region-specific strategies for decision-makers.
  2. Thematic Workshops and Briefings
    • Thematic Workshops: Online, closed-door discussions held twice a year to address pressing issues within the Eastern Partnership policy in a confidential setting.
    • Informal Briefings: Request-driven sessions held twice annually, primarily for DG NEAR and the EEAS, to provide timely, on-demand analysis on key regional developments.
  3. Research and Strategic Publications
    • Policy Papers and Input Papers: In-depth analyses on key neighborhood policy topics.
    • Research Memos: Summarized insights from research trips, offering concise policy recommendations for EU institutions and Member States.
  4. Regional Engagement and Research Visits
    • Research Trips: Annual visits to Eastern Partnership countries and a relevant EU Member State to gather on-the-ground insights, including workshops with partner think tanks.
    • Cross-Regional Thematic Exchanges: Joint publications or events with think tanks from Central Asia, the Western Balkans, and the Black Sea region to discuss shared policy challenges.
  5. Capacity Building & Training Initiatives
    • Think Tank Lab School: Annually invites two to three network members to participate in professional training modules in Berlin and Brussels.
    • Mentorship within the Colloquium: Mid-career researchers from the network collaborate with experienced mentors to develop policy papers for the Colloquium, enhancing their analytical skills and policy expertise.
  6. Network Communications
    • Network newsletter: A regular newsletter that distributes members’ publications and events as well as a mini-interview addressing a timely issue of the region.
Timeline

Colloquium in Tbilisi on Connectivity

The colloquium, organized by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), examined the geopolitical implications of connectivity in the EU’s Eastern Neighborhood following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Participants discussed six previously submitted policy papers and explored themes such as shifting geopolitical landscapes, the interlinkage between connectivity and security, and the roles of key actors like the EU, China, Iran, and Turkey. The event brought together experts to analyze how EU integration efforts and regional dynamics impact connectivity across the Eastern Partnership countries, Western Balkans, and Central Asia.

 

Findt the agenda here.