Abstract

The article analyzes the Polish concept of the «Eastern dimension» of the policy of the European Union in terms of the contemporary process of European integration. It characterizes the prerequisites of Poland’s entry to the European Union. In addition, the article evaluates the influence of the external and internal factors on the dynamics of Poland’s integration. It analyzes the basis for Warsaw’s profound interest in the expansion of the EU’s eastern border as well. Such increased interest of the country in the states that have become the object of the EU’s Eastern policy may be explained, first of all, by the common historical, cultural, social, and economic relations. The article has studied the origins and evolution of the Polish concept of the «Eastern dimension» of the European Union’s policy. The EU’s objectives in Eastern Europe have been determined since its borders have become immediately close to the Post-Soviet countries after the «great expansion» of the EU in 2004-2007. Notably, Poland has started to actively provide its eastern neighbors with support together with the countries that similarly have been the candidates for the EU membership. The article presents the main aspects of the EU’s neighborhood policy realization. Poland’s special role in the formation and realization of this international initiative has been determined. Undoubtedly, Warsaw has become the primary advocate of the countries under the Neighborhood Policy. The article evaluates the impact of the EU’s summits on the key decisions in terms of the international cooperation in economy, culture, education, and other sectors. Furthermore, it analyzes the final declarations of the summits. Moreover, it emphasizes the relevance of the measures for ensuring stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe. Today, the issues of security are prioritized considering the existing threats to the EU and its eastern neighbors. The current state of the European security and defense policy is at the stage of approval, hence not always prepared to oppose the potential threats in this region. It has been proved that Poland is particularly active in determining the directions that are common for the EU. The article analyzes the Polish-Swedish project of the Eastern partnership program. In contrast to the Neighborhood Policy, the «Eastern partnership» program presupposes the political and economic integration of the EU and its eastern neighbors. The article also investigates the contribution of Poland to the implementation of the Eastern policy of the EU. Moreover, it characterizes the peculiarities of Polish diplomacy regarding the EU’s expansion eastwards. The article determines the role of Warsaw as the most active promoter of eastern policy. It has become obvious that the eastern vector of the EU’s policy is changing, facing new challenges, and, now more than ever, requires the unity of its strengths as well as infallible decisions. Hopefully, such decisions will be found since the strengths and stability of the contemporary Europe are directly dependent on the strengths and stability of its neighbors.