Ahead of today’s Eastern Partnership video conference in the European Council and the European Parliament's vote on the recommendation on the June 2020 Summit this week, the ECR Group asks EU leaders to create the necessary conditions to accelerate political association, and further the economic integration between the EU and interested partner countries.

“Our role is to put the Eastern Partnership project high on the EU’s agenda. We must raise awareness among EU institutions and Member States about threats posed by Russia to our closest neighbours. The Eastern Partnership is a success story and the best and most cost-effective way to defend Europe from Russia”, ECR Foreign Policy Spokesperson Anna Fotyga MEP, said.

Since its launch in 2009, the ECR Group in the European Parliament has strongly supported the Eastern Partnership with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. For the ECR Group, the partnership has enhanced relations and ensured an adherence to international law and core EU values, with the goal of increasing stability and prosperity in the partner countries.

Commenting on the Parliament’s resolution, Anna Fotyga continued:

“In its resolution, the Parliament looks at different aspects of the Eastern Partnership, including the different ambitions of the partner countries, acknowledging the progress made by the respective countries while recognising their territorial integrity and the problems faced predominantly due to Russian interference in the region. I am happy we were able to deliver an insightful report with many concrete ideas.

“We call for further EU involvement, including by enhancing its advisory role, deepening cooperation in numerous fields such as energy security, connectivity and transport - which also incorporates a reduction of roaming costs, supporting electoral reforms, the fight against corruption and many other areas.”