On Tuesday 15 January, the Parliament supported the negotiation and conclusion of an "ambitious and balanced global agreement" between the EU and Kyrgyzstan, which "will serve as a basis for strong and lasting relations and stable, secure and sustainable development for both sides".
The Union and Bishkek launched talks in December 2017 on a new agreement to replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1999 (see EUROPE 11929).
The report by Cristian Dan Preda (EPP, Romania) on the Parliament’s recommendation on the comprehensive agreement between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic, approved without a vote, highlights the main elements that such an agreement should contain.
As always, MEPs stress the need to "systematically work to promote the values of democracy and human rights, including freedoms of expression, association and assembly, as well as the independence of the judicial system".
Thus, it is necessary to "take into account Kyrgyzstan's role as one of the few emerging democracies in the region, which requires the Union's long-term political, diplomatic, financial and technical support", say MEPs. They also "entreat" the country "to reverse authoritarian tendencies".
Parliament recalls that the objective of such an agreement is to strengthen political dialogue and sectoral cooperation. The security field is highlighted, including the fight against terrorism, organised crime, the prevention of violent radicalisation and integrated border management. The fight against corruption is also highlighted.
According to MEPs, there is also a need to improve the provisions on trade and economic relations in Kyrgyzstan. They also recommend "strengthening economic and trade relations [...] on the status of GSP+ and calling on Kyrgyzstan to implement the international commitments resulting from it, in order to promote the country's economic development".
In addition, the Parliament also agreed, by 620 votes to 48 with 27 abstentions, to take into account Croatia's accession to the EU with regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Kyrgyzstan. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)