France, Strasburg, Jan. 15 / Trend , A.Maharramli /
The East Partnership program is one of the Czechia's priorities during its presidency in the EU, Vice PM Alexander Vondra said in his exclusive interview to Trend . "You know that Chzechia has specified three main activities for the next six months -economy, energy and Europe in the international world," Vondra said.
"The East Partnership program is based on the balance principle. The initiative to create a Mediterranean Union, which will cover the south of Europe, i.e. the basin of the Mediterranean Sea, was promoted and developed during France's presidency in the EU. We go directly to the East starting from out historical experience. Certainly, it needs to cover Europe by 360 degrees in order to have ties with neighbors. This opinion is connected with the logistics of the partnership program," the Vice PM added.
A summit will be held with attendance of the EU 27 states and states, which are united in the program (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) within the East Partnership program in Prague on May 7. "We want the summit participants to be represented at high level. A concrete cooperation issue will be discussed between the EU and aforementioned states at the summit. Very likely, the summit on energy security issues - South corridor will take place this period. We would like to create a connection between the two summits," Vondra said.
Serious discussions involving many directions of cooperation will take place at the summit. "On the other hand, the program includes trilateral concrete projects, which cover the South Caucasus, and this is the principle of neighborhood policy. These are inclusive projects, and if Russia wants it can join them. We don't want Russia to understand our projects like an initiative contradicting its interests," Vondra said.
On Dec. 4, the European Commission (EC) backed an initiative by Poland and Switzerland to advance the EU's Eastern Partnership policy, which promotes closer cooperation with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine. Poland and Switzerland suggest a new policy for their Eastern neighbors. They will submit their proposals for consideration to EU foreign ministers next Monday. The so-called Eastern Partnership will include 27 EU countries and Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The organization will host talks on a visa-free regime, free trade zones and strategic accords, and implement small student-exchange, environmental-preservation and energy-supply projects.
Have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]