The EU's fourth Eastern Partnership summit looks as though it will be calm and predictable. The crisis in Ukraine has dampened the 28's inclination to advance. It has also heightened internal divisions between the member states that wish to reinforce the partnership and those calling for restraint and caution, not least to prevent fuelling tension with Moscow.
Barring unforeseen events, the heads of state or government meeting in Riga will not endorse any major new advances. They will primarily reiterate…
Read our full report on the Eastern Partnership Summit:Diverging expectations and misunderstandingsBy its very nature, the Eastern Partnership cannot please all member states. The Russian element complicates mattersRusso-Ukrainian hurdleThe armed conflict, a unique case in the Eastern Partnership, is impeding progressReview of neighbourhood policy not free of complicationsDifferentiation and flexibility lie at the heart of the review under way, along with greater involvement of civil societyFrom 'sick man' Belarus to exemplary GeorgiaA brief review of ties between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries (except Ukraine, addressed separately)