EU and Eastern Partners to chart path forward at ministerial meeting
Foreign ministers from the European Union and five Eastern Partnership countries will convene today for a crucial meeting aimed at shaping the future of the partnership. High Representative Josep Borrell will chair the discussions, joined by EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi.
The meeting, taking place following the December Foreign Affairs Council, will focus on three key areas:
- Assessing the Past, Envisioning the Future: Ministers will take stock of the Eastern Partnership's achievements and identify concrete recommendations for its future direction.
- Prioritising Action in 2024: Collaborative efforts will be pinpointed, addressing critical issues such as ensuring member and partner needs are met, accelerating the Economic and Investment Plan, and enhancing regional cooperation with Central Asia and the Western Balkans.
- Solidifying Commitments for Concrete Deliverables: The meeting aims to secure firm commitments on tangible outcomes for 2024, particularly in areas like regional roaming, road safety, and transport.
Additionally, ministers will hear directly from representatives of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, ensuring their voices are included in shaping the partnership's future trajectory.
This gathering takes place amidst a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly with the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the Eastern Partnership enters its second decade, the need for adaptation and bolstering resilience has become paramount. This meeting offers a vital opportunity to chart a path forward, ensuring the partnership remains a powerful tool for promoting stability, prosperity, and closer integration between the EU and its Eastern neighbours.
Translation by Iurie Tataru