Bastion, Beacon or Bridge? Conceptualising the Baltic Logic of the EU's Neighbourhood

With the 2004 enlargement of the European Union, Europe moved a step closer to what has been known as Russia's 'near abroad'. Since 2003, the EU has taken a larger interest in its new 'neighbourhood'. As former Soviet republics and new EU member states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a role to play in the EU 'neighbourhood' relationship. As we establish the competing logics of the region, we set out the roles that the Baltic States may play in regards to the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Based on the events within the EU, the Baltic States may act as a Bastion, Beacon or Bridge. We explore these metaphors with an analysis of the initial foreign policy agendas of the Baltic States. We conclude that the policy preference in the Baltic is bridging the gap between the EU and the 'new outsiders'.