Explain EU policy towards Eastward.

The European Union (EU) has pursued a comprehensive policy towards the Eastward enlargement and integration of countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) since the end of the Cold War. This policy, known as the Eastern Partnership, aims to strengthen political association, economic integration, and cooperation with six Eastern European countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

The EU's policy towards the Eastward focuses on several key objectives:

1. Political Association: The EU seeks to promote political reforms, democratic governance, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Eastern Partnership countries. This includes supporting institutions, civil society, and media freedom, as well as fostering political dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues.

2. Economic Integration: The EU aims to deepen economic integration and cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries through trade liberalization, regulatory convergence, and market access. This includes promoting free trade agreements, economic reforms, and investment opportunities to enhance competitiveness, growth, and prosperity in the region.

3. Sectoral Cooperation: The EU engages in sectoral cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries in areas such as energy, transport, environment, and education. This includes promoting sustainable development, energy security, and connectivity through infrastructure projects, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.

4. People-to-People Contacts: The EU supports people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and mobility programs to promote understanding, dialogue, and cooperation between citizens of the EU and Eastern Partnership countries. This includes educational exchanges, youth programs, and visa facilitation to enhance social cohesion and mutual trust.

5. Conflict Resolution and Security: The EU seeks to promote stability, security, and conflict resolution in the Eastern Partnership region, including addressing unresolved conflicts, promoting confidence-building measures, and supporting peacebuilding efforts. This includes diplomatic engagement, mediation, and support for regional cooperation initiatives.

Overall, the EU's policy towards the Eastward enlargement and integration aims to promote stability, prosperity, and cooperation in the Eastern Partnership region, while advancing the principles and values of the EU, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Through political association, economic integration, and sectoral cooperation, the EU seeks to build closer ties with Eastern Partnership countries and contribute to peace, security, and development in the wider European neighborhood.