The heads of state or government of the EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine as well as European leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to the Eastern Partnership in a joint declaration issued during the Eastern Partnership Summit on 15 December.
“We have met to reaffirm our firm commitment to our strategic, ambitious, and forward-looking Eastern Partnership”, emphasises a draft declaration obtained by EUROPE that was dated Tuesday, 7 December—reiterating that this “constructive” partnership is “not directed against anyone”.
The declaration is expected to reaffirm “the sovereign right of each partner to choose the level of ambition and the objectives to which it aspires in its relations with the European Union” and to reiterate that the scope and depth of cooperation is determined by the respective agreements and will continue to be shaped by the ambitions and needs “of both the EU and the partners as well as by the pace and quality of reforms”. The declaration places great emphasis on the importance of reforms, particularly in terms of the rule of law.
The leaders are expected to acknowledge “the European aspirations and European choice” of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia “as set out in the association agreements”, but no mention of a possible bid for EU membership is made. The declaration encourages the full implementation of these association agreements and their deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTAs). The efforts of the three associated countries to strengthen cooperation with the EU and their initiative aiming to increase coordination among themselves on issues of common interest related to the implementation of the association agreements and DCFTAs and cooperation within the Eastern Partnership are expected to be recognised. In this context, the EU and the trio will study potential ways to strengthen sectoral cooperation, the document explains.
The EU and ‘interested partners’ are expected to be pleased with the entry into force of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, encouraging its full implementation; they are also expected to welcome the progress made in the ongoing negotiations between the EU and Azerbaijan on a new comprehensive agreement.
In addition, the European Union is expected to reiterate that it remains “committed to supporting the territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders, independence, and sovereignty of all Eastern Partners”.
The five [Eastern] Partnership countries have territorial disputes. “Deeply concerned” by the continuous destabilisation and violations of the principles of international law in many parts of the region, EU leaders are expected to call for renewed efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of unresolved conflicts and the strengthening of the EU’s role in conflict prevention and resolution, confidence-building, and a presence on the ground.
Moreover, the heads of state or government are expected to commit to strengthening their cooperation while new post-2020 priorities are expected to be decided (see EUROPE 12841/17). This new agenda is expected to be supported by a €2.3 billion regional economic and investment plan, which is expected to be able to mobilise up to €17 billion in public and private investments for the region.
The desire to strengthen economic resilience and improve environmental and climate resilience is also expected to be emphasised. The draft text points out, “The climate crisis as well as the environmental and energy challenges require urgent action on the part of all parties”. Furthermore, post-Covid-19 socioeconomic recovery and longer-term development are an opportunity to strengthen resilience by investing in sustainable connectivity and expediting the green and digital transitions, according to the declaration.
The continued commitment of the EU and its Member States to support partner countries in combating the Covid-19 pandemic is also expected to be mentioned.
Finally, the EU and partner countries are expected to reaffirm the importance of strengthening strategic communication so as to build resilience. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)