Foreign Ministers of the EU and partner countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) on Monday 13 May in Brussels.
For the occasion, a Presidency statement reviews the major achievements of the Partnership and the challenges ahead, but makes no mention at any time of a possible European future for those partners desiring one (see EUROPE 11910/20).
In this declaration, the Presidency stresses that after a decade, the time has come to renew the “unwavering support” for the fundamental values and principles that are at the heart of the partnership, to reaffirm the common commitments contained in the declarations of the EaP summits, and to underline the firm intention to take them forward. It highlights human rights, democracy, the rule of law, good governance, the fight against corruption and the market economy.
Over the years, the Eastern Partnership has proved to be an “efficient, resilient, tailored and dynamic framework”, which has provided a solid basis for further deepening cooperation and enabled “important accomplishments”, the text states. “Thanks to the EaP, EU Member States and Eastern Partners have developed a better understanding of mutual needs, ambitions and expectations”, it adds.
“This positive experience enables us to continue to work jointly and in a spirit of close cooperation to ensure our societies can fully reap all the benefits, from increased prosperity to democracy, stability and security that come from such a Partnership”, the statement said.
But the declaration, however positive it may be, does not shy away from the challenges which still remain. Thus, “reform implementation and delivery of the agreed commitments must remain the main focus in the years to come”, it warns.
According to the Presidency, the achievements already realised, “such as increased trade and strengthened political association, economic integration and sectoral cooperation between the EU and interested partner countries, will serve as an inspiration for further progress in the future based on mutual interests, needs, joint priorities and sustainable reform implementation”.
On his arrival at the Council of the EU, Czech Minister Tomáš Petříček highlighted the need to strengthen the resilience of partner countries, while his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders stressed the need to make “enormous efforts” in terms of respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption, and the implementation of agreements already concluded.
The parties consider it necessary to continue the structured reflection and to engage in a process of “broad and inclusive consultation” on the future cooperation programme, in particular with a view to ensuring substantial and timely preparation for the next Eastern Partnership Summit, without however setting a date for this Summit. “Let us demonstrate our shared determination to develop the Eastern Partnership agenda beyond 2020, ensuring that we will remain stronger together”, the Presidency's statement concludes.
“We must provide a European strategic perspective and have practical results in cooperation”, summarised Mr Petříček.
See the statement: https://bit.ly/2W0uCq7. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)