The collapse of Communism in Europe a quarter century ago began a tremendous political and economic transition across what became more than two dozen new and newly liberated countries. With this historic opportunity and in a unique development context, USAID assistance, through Congressional and partner support, helped create the institutional, legal and regulatory backbone for market economies and democratic governance. To celebrate and spotlight this historic anniversary and the extraordinary progress in the region, USAID’s Europe & Eurasia Bureau, in partnership with the Kennan Institute, convened an important conversation about the years of American contributions. This was an opportunity both to acknowledge the significant gains achieved over the years and to discuss new challenges facing the region. The panel took this opportunity to look back at twenty-five years of partnership, engagement and legacies and also to look forward to future engagement and what role the United States’ government and its partners can play over the next twenty-five years to push forward and further expand democracy, peace and prosperity. 

This event was also a chance to view the top submissions from a photo contest the USAID’s Europe and Eurasia Bureau held to reflect on the last 25 years of work in the region.