Abstract
Since the end of the Cold War, the EU has become a major force in the democratisation process in Eastern Europe. It has focused primarily on the appeal of its soft power, promoting liberal economic policies and democratisation.
Since the completion of the 'easy task' of the East-Central European democratic transition with the EU enlargement waves of 2004 and 2007, the EU has only had partial success in performing the major task of stabilising its neighbourhood and preparing it for possible accession in the future. Three countries on the eastern border of the EU have caused significant political and economic challenges to the EU's accession policy (Turkey) and to the European Neighbourhood Policy (Belarus and Ukraine).
All three have revealed the weaknesses of intra-EU decision-making processes (especially the lack of flexibility and the unwillingness to apply 'hard' power politics) and the disunity of the EU member states' voices, which reflects their very divergent national interests. Still, the policies adopted by the EU with regard to these countries also represent an opportunity for the Union.