ABSTRACT
While the European republics of the former Soviet Union and now newly independent countries of east-central Europe, namely Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus, do not constitute a separate subregion, all three states have, to varying degrees, become involved since their independence in what is for post-communist states a new phenomenon, subregional cooperation. This chapter assesses the engagement of these countries in various forms of subregional cooperation, their attitudes, priorities and agendas. Special attention is given to the participation of the three countries in smaller cooperative initiatives emerging in the area since 1997. Some of the initiatives are barely known, others are attracting increasing attention, curiosity and, among some, concern. This chapter addresses the rationale for their creation, the progress achieved so far, and their potential and future prospects.
