EU cites improvements on its action plan for Azerbaijan
The European Commission in Brussels has analyzed the situation in Azerbaijan and cited positive developments in implementing the European Union-Azerbaijan action plan, EU Delegation head Roland Kobia has said.
``The EU has published a progress report that was adopted by the European Commission,`` he told the press. ``The report is dedicated to the progress that has been made by all Eastern Partnership countries in the implementation of the Action Plans.``
Kobia said that according to the report, the positive aspects in Azerbaijan were macroeconomic stability, as well as monetary and financial stability, and reducing poverty.
Kobia said the EU-Azerbaijan trade turnover, energy cooperation level, and the fight against organized crime and terrorism were also cited as improvements.
According to him, anti-corruption measures continue to be made in the country but much remains to be done in this area.
Kobia added that there are also several areas that EU recommends to improve, such as human rights, independence of the judiciary system, institutions of freedom of assembly and association, media freedom environment, and the legislation on NGOs.
He said that the EU jointly with the Council of Europe Venice Commission stands ready to help Azerbaijan in this regard.
Kobia also said the EU sees progress in the country`s efforts to join the World Trade Organization and believes it will succeed in this respect.