The Eastern Partnership Robert Soltyk External Relations Directorate General European Commission Brussels,

Six countries concerned The Commission’s proposal from addressed to:  Armenia  Azerbaijan  Belarus*  Georgia  Moldova  Ukraine * The level of Belarus’ participation will depend on the overall development of EU-Belarus relations

The goals of the Partnership Truly EU’s strategic initiative that opens new chapter in relations with Eastern neighbours: Responds to the aspirations of these countries to get even closer to the EU and consolidate their statehood; Provides both: long term vision and detailed work-plan; Upgrades substantially EU’s engagement; More urgent after conflict in Georgia; Offers stronger and more practical support for acceleration of democratic and market-oriented reforms; Demonstrates in practical way EU’s solidarity; Leads to more stability, security & prosperity in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood

Basis of the Partnership Common interests, shared values: Commitment to the rule of law & good governance; Respect for human rights and basic freedoms including respect for and protection of minorities; Commitment to the principles of the market economy and sustainable development. The level of ambition of the EU’s relationship with each of the Eastern Partners will take into account the extent to which these values are effectively shared

Eastern Partnership – what it is’nt?  Anti-Russian  Crypto-enlargement  An Eastern version of the Union for the Mediterranean  Rejection of differentiation, conditionality and the primacy of bilateral relations  Split of the European Neighbourhood Policy

What do we propose in bilateral relations  Upgraded political engagement: Association Agreements, closer cooperation on CFSP/ESDP issues  Improved administrative capacity: Comprehensive Institution Building Programme financed by the EU;  Gradual integration in the EU economy: Deep and comprehensive Free Trade Areas;  Easier legitimate travel to the EU: “Mobility and security pacts” to promote legal movement of people with ultimate long term goal of visa-free travel;  Energy security: Enhanced cooperation with all partner countries;  Economic and social development: Pilot regional programmes based on EU’s cohesion policy.

What do we propose in multilateral cooperation A new forum to:  share experience and information on partner’s steps towards reforms accompanied by the EU;  facilitate adoption of common positions and joint activities;  discuss topics of common interest;  present and explain EU legislation and standards to the partners to initiate structured approximation process.

Four thematic platforms  Democracy, good governance & stability (including JLS): Also covers electoral standards, media regulations, the fight against corruption, civil service reform, judicial and police cooperation, confidence building measures, security related issues etc.  Economic integration and convergence with EU policies Trade and market related approximation, socio-economic development, poverty reduction, social inclusion, equal opportunities, health, environment and climate change  Energy security Accelerated convergence of energy policies and legislation with EU, construction and rehabilitation of key energy infrastructure, support for the Southern energy corridor, extension of Odessa-Brody pipeline etc.  Contacts between people Culture, support to NGOs, strengthen civil society, increase student and academic exchanges, better integration into 7 th Framework Research Programme, joint media projects

Five flagship initiatives  Integrated Border Management Programme: Alignment to EU standards, a prerequisite for progress on the mobility;  SME Facility: Small and medium enterprises would receive stimulus through technical assistance, financial intermediaries, risk capital and loans;  Regional electricity markets, improved energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy sources This also includes the interlinking of the electricity grids;  Southern energy corridor This is a key infrastructure initiative serving to diversify transit routes and sources of supply for the EU and its partners;  Prevention of, preparedness for, and response to natural and man-made disasters Strengthen disaster management capacities and establish effective cooperation between the EU and the partner countries and among themselves

EC financing in  Armenia € 98.4 million  Azerbaijan € 92 million  Belarus € 21 million  Georgia €120.4 million (additional funding up to € 500 million to cope with the consequences of the crisis in August 2008),  Moldova € million  Ukraine € 494 million Euro Additional funds are also available through regional and inter-regional programmes, Cross Border Cooperation, Neighbourhood Investment and Governance Facilities

Additional financing almost 75% increase When comparing 2008 (€450 million) to 2013 (€785 million) ‏  This will mean allocating a supplementary envelope of € 350 million in addition to the planned resources for the period  Moreover we will refocus €250 million that was already allocated to the ENP regional east programme to initiatives relevant for the implementation of the Eastern Partnership

Structures May 2009: launch of the initiative at Eastern Partnership Summit  From then onwards biennial summits  Annual Meetings of Foreign ministers  Senior officials meetings twice a year within framework of thematic platforms  Experts meetings, workshops - as often as necessary

Outlook/Challenges Can the EU muster enough coherence and engagement to effectively help Eastern partners to address:  Conflicts and instability  Radicalisation and authoritarianism  Economic and financial crisis

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