Brussels, 12/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 12 September, the European Parliament called on the EU to present concrete measures to support the Eastern Partnership countries facing blackmail from Russia. Russia is threatening these countries with retaliation if they sign an association agreement with the EU. Among other measures, the EU should support the Eastern Partnership countries by sending a strong message of support for their aspirations and choices.
In a joint resolution that MEPs adopted, they state that the EU must assume its responsibility, and engage and defend these countries in a spirit of solidarity. The countries are “exposed to open, alarming and ever stronger pressure from Russia, aiming to dissuade them from associating with the European Union”. Believing that the gradual integration of these partner countries with the EU is compatible with good neighbourly relations with Russia, the Parliament asks Moscow to refrain from exercising increased pressure on the Eastern Partnership countries and “to fully respect their sovereign right of making their own political choices”. These choices, which do not have a negative influence on their trade with Russia, should not merit consequences, such as measures of trade retaliation, visa restrictions, restrictions to the mobility of workers, and interference in frozen conflicts.
The Parliament reaffirms its support for the signing or initialling of the association agreements at the summit in Vilnius if the countries concerned can comply with their obligations. These countries are called on to pursue political and economic reforms, to step up their efforts to conclude their work which is underway before the Vilnius summit, and not to yield to the pressure.
EU wants to support partner countries. During the plenary debate, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle gave assurances that “the European Union [was going] to support and stay by the side of those that are subjected to undue pressure”. “We will continue to do all we can (…) to work with our neighbours to find the means to maximise the compatibility between the structures of the EU and Eurasia in a way that can facilitate trade and economic integration”, Füle stated (our translation throughout). The EU needs to communicate with Russia better that the Eastern Partnership is not against Russia or Russia's interests, Füle added.
Füle encouraged the Eastern Partnership countries to deepen their links with Russia in a way that is compatible with obligations on the deep and comprehensive free trade agreement (DCFTA) with the EU. He added that their accession to the customs union, as desired by Russia, is incompatible with the DCFTA because of “legal impossibilities” (for example, customs duties). (CG/transl.fl)