The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, welcomed on Thursday 24 June, the rapprochement of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, which have created the Associated Trio to work together in closer integration into the European Union.
“I have to welcome the closer coordination between Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as their request for enhanced cooperation with the European Union”, he said after a meeting in Brussels with the foreign ministers of the three countries.
The Georgian, David Zalkaliani, recalled that the countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding last month in which they committed to work together, but also with the EU, on European integration issues, including through dialogues on sectoral issues of common interest. For the Moldovan, Aureliu Ciocoi, the three countries believe that they can achieve much better results in the political and trade dialogue with the EU through deeper cooperation.
The High Representative and the ministers also explained their expectations for the next Eastern Partnership Summit, which is expected to take place in December. This summit will be “an opportunity to set this new agenda in motion and to agree on a common vision for the future”, he explained. He emphasised, as well, the development of relationships based on the principles of inclusion and differentiation.
In addition, Mr Zalkaliani said that Russia was “the greatest challenge to Europe’s security” and that it posed a serious threat to the security, economy and democracy of the three countries. “We look forward to a strengthened EU commitment to promoting peace and security in the region”, he added.
For the Ukrainian, Dmytro Kuleba, resuming summits with Russia could only “undermine the effectiveness of the sanctions regime and further dissuade Russia from implementing the Minsk agreements”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)