Triantaphyllou, Dimitrios2019-06-272019-06-27201411944-89531944-89611944-89531944-8961https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12469/695https://doi.org/10.1080/19448953.2014.928534The European Union (EU) has over time formulated and implemented various policies to address its Eastern neighbourhood and in particular the Black Sea region ;yet it still finds itself in search of the right mix of policy and strategy towards its neighbours to the East. With the post-Cold War goal posts shifting to reflect the growing realist approach of its biggest neighbour the Russian Federation toward their shared neighbourhood the EU finds itself in a quandary regarding its ability to react and to postulate proactive policies that reflect its engagement. The post-Vilnius Summit environment echoes the urgency of the exercise and the dilemmas that present themselves for the Union. The tugs of war between Russia and the EU and to a lesser extent between the EU and Turkey are at the core of the challenge of transforming the Black Sea region from being a 'grey zone of instability' to one of peace freedom security and prosperity. This could only come about if the EU could construct a common narrative that meets the demands and expectations of its member states and institutions as well as those of its partners in the Black Sea region.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessArticle286299316WOS:00034018990000210.1080/19448953.2014.9285342-s2.0-84904554948Q2Q1