Brussels, 14/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - This week the General Affairs Council formally adopted several decisions concerning former USSR countries, that it to say the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Thus the EU 15 have:
- Adopted a decision relating to the concluding of protocols enabling the EU to adapt the partnership and co-operation agreements (PCA) it is has concluded with Russia, the Ukraine and Moldova, so as to take into account the accession of Sweden, Finland and Austria in 1995;
- Heard the French Presidency of the EU present its working plan (that each Presidency will present from now on) for the implementation of the EU's common strategy towards the Ukraine. This strategy, let us recall, was adopted in December 1999 by the Helsinki European Summit to reinforce the strategic partnership with the Ukraine. This work schedule of the French Presidency foresees several actions, notably among which are measures aiming to help the transition process towards democracy and economic change in the Ukraine. The Presidency also intends to begin co-operation so as to ensure stability and security and to take up the common challenge on the European continent. The plan also foresees support for reinforced co-operation between the EU and the Ukraine in the context of EU enlargement, notably in the field of justice and home affairs and that of the Ukraine's integration into the European and world economy.
