New EU Package For Eastern Partnership
Lragir.am
Politics – Saturday, 08 February 2014, 12:08
Radio Free Europe informed that 13 EU member states have developed a
new program of cooperation with 6 post-Soviet states. According to the
program, which is supported by the United Kingdom and Germany, Eastern
Partnership members will be offered more extended cooperation than the
Association Agreement. The paper entitled 20 Points on the Eastern
Partnership Post-Vilnius contains provisions on mobility, visa,
student exchanges, more Twinning projects, as well as increased
participation in community programs and agencies. The EU will boost
its role in the settlement of lasting conflicts. There is also a point
on an open and frank dialogue with Russia, stressing at the same time
that Russian pressure on the EaP countries is unacceptable. The EU
envisages publication of studies to explain to people the long-term
goals of the Eastern Partnership, including a possible impact on
Russia and the Customs Union/Eurasian Economic Union and negate
unfounded claims of costs.