EASTERN PARTNERSHIP ENVISAGES INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTNER STATES
PanARMENIAN.Net
18.02.2009 14:17 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The European Commission’s proposal for a new
Eastern Partnership represents a step change in the EU’s relations
with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine,
Head of the European Commission Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador
Raul de Luzenberger said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.
"This ambitious Partnership foresees a substantial upgrading of
the level of political engagement, including the prospect of a new
generation of Association Agreements, far-reaching integration into
the EU economy, easier travel to the EU for citizens providing that
security requirements are met, enhanced energy security arrangements
benefiting all concerned, and increased financial assistance," he said.
Ambassador de Luzenberger underscored that the EU proposes much
more intensive day to day support for partners’ reform efforts
through a new Comprehensive Institution Building program, and a new
multilateral dimension which will bring partners together to address
common challenges.
"The Eastern Partnership includes new measures to support the social
and economic development of the 6 countries, and five flagship
initiatives (i.e. Integrated Border Management Program, Small and
Medium sized Enterprise Facilities, Regional electricity markets,
renewables and energy efficiency, Southern energy corridor and
Prevention of, preparedness for, and response to natural and man-made
disasters) that will give very concrete evidence of the EU support,"
he said.