Eventually , the countries of Eastern Europe , including the Baltic states , also made the grade when the European Union gave them accession . Financier George Soros funded eastern European dissident groups in 1980s . 1980s : In revolutionary Russia things normally impossible became possible . Soros set up first foundation in Moscow in 1984 ; by 1989 foundations in 22 countries . Russia failed many post - communist states ; once again an authoritarian regime .
Financier George Soros funded eastern European dissident groups in 1980s . 1980s : In revolutionary Russia things normally impossible became possible . Soros set up first foundation in Moscow in 1984 ; by 1989 foundations in 22 countries . Russia failed many post - communist states ; once again an authoritarian regime .