Re-Engaging with Neighbours in a State of War and Geopolitical Tensions

Russia’s war against Ukraine has radically altered European security. Confronted by the direst security crisis in decades, EU policymakers are forced to fundamentally rethink their security policies. Europe has demonstrated unexpected unity and resolve, adopting a series of sanctions against Russia, increasing national defence spending, but also by deciding on a historic revival of the EU enlargement process. Still, there is an urgent need to make sure that this process contributes to democratic, well-functioning and stable neighbourhood states, capable of countering external threats, particularly those posed by hybrid warfare. 

A thorough investigation is required to determine how this can be achieved without compromising the EU's values and security in the current context. RE-ENGAGE’s overarching ambition is to assist the EU in refining its foreign policy toolbox, including its enlargement and neighbourhood policies. This will enhance the Union’s geopolitical leverage and provide better tools for democracy promotion in its neighbourhood. To achieve this goal, RE-ENGAGE will conduct in-depth studies in six candidate countries – three in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia) and three in the Eastern Neighbourhood (Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine).

Follow RE-ENGAGE on the project webside here, and on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 101132314. 

On 23 January 2024 RE-ENGAGE held the project kick-off at Norway House in Brussels. Below you will find a recording of the event: