Europe Union advancing eastern partnership plan
The European Union External Relations Commissioner
Benita Ferrero-Waldner will hold on December 3 a presentation of
individual and regional programs under a recent initiative covering
a number of former Soviet nations that aims to boost partnership
with Europe`s eastern neighbors.
Eastern Partnership covers the 27-member bloc`s cooperation with the South Caucasus republics - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, under the proposal made by Poland and Sweden to the European Union foreign ministers late in May. Belarus may join the initiative only on expert level.
Christiane Hohmann, the European Commission external relations spokeswoman, said the EU`s program of cooperation with Azerbaijan envisioned further political reform, in particular, providing suitable conditions for normal activity of political parties, ensuring pluralism of views, improving healthcare, and overhaul of the judiciary and education systems.
Under the Eastern Partnership proposal, the EU will assist Eastern partners as they strive to comprehensively integrate into the European family. Talks will be held on a plethora of issues including visa regulations, creating free trade areas and signing strategic agreements. Additionally, small projects on student exchange, environmental protection and energy supplies will be implemented.
Eastern Partnership is to be financed on account of the funds designated for the European New Neighborhood Policy ((ENNP).
Hohmann went on to say that the EU was preparing to release a report in April 2009 assessing the implementation of Azerbaijan`s ENNP commitments. Despite citing improvements in a number of areas, the document says the Azerbaijani authorities still have much work ahead in advancing democratization, ensuring freedom of speech, pressing ahead with electoral reforms, etc.
Eastern Partnership covers the 27-member bloc`s cooperation with the South Caucasus republics - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - as well as Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, under the proposal made by Poland and Sweden to the European Union foreign ministers late in May. Belarus may join the initiative only on expert level.
Christiane Hohmann, the European Commission external relations spokeswoman, said the EU`s program of cooperation with Azerbaijan envisioned further political reform, in particular, providing suitable conditions for normal activity of political parties, ensuring pluralism of views, improving healthcare, and overhaul of the judiciary and education systems.
Under the Eastern Partnership proposal, the EU will assist Eastern partners as they strive to comprehensively integrate into the European family. Talks will be held on a plethora of issues including visa regulations, creating free trade areas and signing strategic agreements. Additionally, small projects on student exchange, environmental protection and energy supplies will be implemented.
Eastern Partnership is to be financed on account of the funds designated for the European New Neighborhood Policy ((ENNP).
Hohmann went on to say that the EU was preparing to release a report in April 2009 assessing the implementation of Azerbaijan`s ENNP commitments. Despite citing improvements in a number of areas, the document says the Azerbaijani authorities still have much work ahead in advancing democratization, ensuring freedom of speech, pressing ahead with electoral reforms, etc.
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