Ben O’Loughlin gave a paper on 10 July 2020 at the British International Studies Association (BISA) annual conference, held digitally due to Covid-19. He and Alister Miskimmon presented analysis of interviews in the Baltic states and Ukraine concerning whether the Baltics can act as a bridge between Ukraine and the EU. Ukrainian membership of the EU has been discussed in Kiev and Brussels. It is a theme to talk about. However, it looks far from happening. Nevertheless, elites interviewed in Baltic states are enthusiastic about bringing Ukraine westward. Miskimmon and O’Loughlin looked at some of the ways self-interest drives competing narratives of a happy resolution to this process. Ultimately, whatever bridges the Baltic states and Ukraine build, their data suggests the real question is how the EU and Russia manage their relationship.

This paper was part of ongoing research in the E-Youth project funded by the Jean Monnet group.