Sustainable Democracy and Rule of Law Reforms in Eastern Partnership Countries: A Case for Engaging Citizens in Every Step

Rebuilding trust in democracy and advancing the rule of law are critical for Eastern Partnership countries such as Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine as they pursue closer ties with the European Union. However, political polarisation, societal divides, and shrinking civic space continue to undermine reform efforts and erode public trust in governance. This policy memo explores why broad and inclusive citizen engagement is essential for sustainable progress and outlines practical approaches for fostering local ownership of democratic reforms.

The memo highlights the need to tailor reform strategies to the specific challenges faced by each country. In Georgia, balancing regional power interests has hindered significant reforms, while in Moldova, societal divides between pro-European and pro-Russian groups present unique challenges. Ukraine, meanwhile, faces the dual task of implementing rule of law reforms and ensuring transparency during its reconstruction efforts. Addressing these issues requires a shift from purely technical reforms to a people-centred approach that prioritises dialogue, inclusivity, and the engagement of diverse societal voices.

The memo calls for creating inclusive spaces for dialogue that bring together governments, civil society, and citizens to build shared narratives and promote trust. It also emphasises the importance of empowering local civil society organisations, ensuring their access to funding and capacity-building tools while countering the shrinking civic space that limits their work. Addressing disinformation is also a key priority, as it continues to fuel distrust and deepen divides. Supporting media pluralism and fostering independent journalism are vital to counter these destabilising narratives and promote informed public discourse.

The memo underscores that successful reforms require strong coordination between regional programmes, bilateral interventions, and international actors, alongside transparent communication with local stakeholders. By placing citizens at the centre of democratic change, the European Union and its partners can help rebuild trust, bridge divides, and lay the foundation for resilient, sustainable democracy in Eastern Partnership countries. This approach not only strengthens democratic institutions but also ensures reforms resonate with the diverse needs and aspirations of local populations.

This memo invites policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners to consider how citizen-focused strategies can drive democratic renewal, providing insights that are both timely and actionable in the evolving Eastern Partnership context.