The recently implemented programme of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), which aimes to promote democratic reforms in the Eastern Neighbourhood countries, has experienced progress and setbacks. Unfortunately the support for the EaP Civil Society Forum remains half-hearted.

Several meetings between European Union and Russian politicians in the past two weeks confirm that the bilateral relationship is becoming increasingly productive and is clearly in better health than at the beginning of the year.
EU-Russia Centre Column by Rory Watson

European politicians send an open letter to president Medwedjew in the case Chodorkovsky

The pronouncement of judgement in the case of Chodorkovsky and Lebedev will start on December 27th. The signatories of the letter demand, that the Russian government give respect for the rule of law and citizens' fundamental human rights not only in words but also in his deeds.
The Financial Times publishes the letter.