Stockholm – ESI: Integration is the path to peace and prosperity in Eastern Europe

Gerald in Stockholm. Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke at the annual meeting of the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS), a forum for experts and policymakers to discuss new policies towards Eastern Europe based at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.

Gerald noted that with Russia’s attempts to reestablish its empire through its full-scale invasion in Ukraine, Eastern Europe remains the most important space for European security. To meet this threat, Gerald argued that Europe must do more of what has brought peace and prosperity to the rest of the European continent – deeper integration and security cooperation. To this point, Gerald noted ESI’s plan to deepen European integration in Eastern Europe through tangible rewards for necessary reforms. In this approach, any country that meets the accession criteria of the European Union would automatically obtain access to the European Single Market and the four fundamental freedoms, including freedom of movement. Gerald argued that this model would provide strong incentives for reform while enabling gradual integration, even as debates over full EU membership persist.

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• ESI proposal: Offer the four freedoms to Ukraine, Moldova and the Balkans
• ESI publication: The Balkan Turtle Race