European Commission proposes new policy objectives for beyond 2020

ArmInfo. The European  Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign  Affairs and Security Policy have put forward a proposal for the  long-term policy objectives of the Eastern Partnership beyond 2020. 

As ArmInfo was informed in the press service of the EU Delegation in  Armenia, these aim at increasing trade, strengthening connectivity  and deepening economic integration with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,  Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, strengthening  democratic institutions, the rule of law, environmental and climate  resilience, supporting the digital transformation, and promoting fair  and inclusive societies.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: "Our  neighbours' strength is also the European Union's strength; the  Eastern Partnership remains a crucial element of the EU's foreign  policy. Our proposals will further strengthen our six partner  countries, reflecting the priorities and challenges that we share,  while maintaining the emphasis on delivering tangible, positive  results for all citizens."

In turn, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver  Varhelyi said: "We are sending a very clear message to our Eastern  partner countries: we will help you to build strong economies and to  create growth and jobs by attracting foreign direct investment and by  strengthening connectivity in key sectors, such as transport, energy  and environment. We will work closely together to address today's  challenges across the board, including the ongoing COVID-19  pandemic."

The message also highlights, building on the achievements of the  Partnership in the first 10 years, today's proposal outlines how the  EU will work together with the partner countries to tackle common  challenges and strengthen their resilience in the light of today's  challenges as an overriding policy objective beyond 2020. In doing  so, work between the EU and partners will continue on new policy  priorities to support the ecological transformation, the digital  transformation and to deliver on economies that work for all, in  particular more job opportunities for youth and to promote gender  equality.

To note, the "Eastern Partnership" is a project of the European  Union, with the main stated goal of developing integration ties of  the European Union with six countries of the former USSR: Azerbaijan,  Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia.