Fifth EPP EaP Leaders’ Meeting EPP Declaration for the EU’s EaP Riga Summit Meet Ambitions and Consolidate Partnerships: Full Text

• 05.22.2015, 15:35
•  Europe,  World

Fifth EPP EaP Leaders’ Meeting EPP Declaration for the EU’s EaP Riga Summit Meet Ambitions and Consolidate Partnerships

 Riga, 21 May 2015

* The Armenian delegation approved this Declaration with reservations.

Recent developments in Eastern Europe have seriously challenged the very concept of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), which was originally developed in a different geopolitical context. Based on a shared community of values and a joint commitment to international law and fundamental values, as well as on the principles upon which the EU was founded, notably those of peace, friendship, solidarity and prosperity, the Eastern Partnership was put to the test by the Russian war against Ukraine and its interference in other states of the region, which has seriously undermined the EU and Eastern Partnership states’ common endeavours to extend the area of prosperity, stability and security to the entire region.

The new developments within the EaP states have brought the urgent need to strengthen the EaP policy, applying a more differentiated approach towards every single EaP state and subsequently acknowledging the European integration objective of those that are interested. Through better-developed, individual engagement for each country, the reinforcement of European security, stability and prosperity must be sought, as well as the consolidation of European values and principles in the region. It is high time to reinforce the EaP policy in the face of new challenges and enrich it with the principles of differentiation, conditionality, joint ownership, joint responsibility, solidarity, and “more for more”.

The EPP EU and EaP leaders* met in Riga on 21 May 2015:

TO ASSESS ACHIEVEMENTS

Welcoming the ratification of the Association Agreements by the national parliaments of the EU Member States and the European Parliament. The Associated States call on the remaining Member States to swiftly ratify the Association Agreements to complete this process as soon as possible.

Highlighting the progress achieved in reaching the major goals set in the Vilnius Summit Joint Declaration.

Commending the signature and the launch of the provisional implementation by Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine of the Association Agreements; reiterating its support for the reform process of Ukraine and the decision to start the DCFTA implementation as of 1 January 2016. The Associated States agreed on Association Agendas that will serve as the main monitoring tool for the implementation of AAs;

Commending the smooth and well-managed implementation of the visa-free regime with the Republic of Moldova, which is a vivid argument and stimulus for the development of people-to-people contacts and economic growth. Looking forward to the introduction of visa-free travel with Ukraine and Georgia in 2016, upon the final report of the European Commission based on the assessment of the relevant benchmarks in the implementation.

Looking forward to launching a Dialogue on the Visa Liberalisation with Armenia as soon as possible. Welcoming the progress achieved in the Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement with Azerbaijan and Belarus.

Appreciating the support the EU and the Member States have conveyed to Belarusian civil society and the solidarity with those who are exposed to political persecution in Belarus for their democratic beliefs.

Recognising the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly as an important forum for multilateral, inter-parliamentary cooperation between the EU and the EaP countries, and taking note of the results of the EURONEST session held on 16-19 March in Yerevan.

TO MEET AMBITIONS

Declaring that the Eastern Partnership countries must be free and sovereign in exercising the right to determine their future, including to join any international organisation or alliance without being subjected to undue external pressure, threats or intimidation. The EU will remain supportive of the sovereign choice of the Eastern Partnership countries and their peoples.

Underlining that the Eastern Partnership policy requires a thorough assessment of its effectiveness, including an accurate evaluation of its successes and failures, and that it needs further reflection, a new impetus and a clear and strengthened vision for the way forward.

Recognising that now more than ever the Eastern Partnership societies in favour of integration with the European Union need strong, proactive and immediate support from the EU, which should be provided via different channels and policy sectors ranging from financial assistance to visa facilitation, from investing in immediate progress for citizens to support youth and future leaders as well as cultural and student exchange programmes.

 Stressing that the Eastern Partnership countries differ in many respects and have different ambitions merged with different expectations; and therefore, calling for the creation of a more functional policy framework that could deal with such diversity, applying a genuine tailored approach to individual partner countries.

Believing that the Eastern Partnership must be forward-looking and flexible in order to provide long-term incentives for all partners, including those seeking to accomplish their European aspirations.

Stressing that a European perspective constitutes a driving force for reforms in these countries and further strengthens their commitment to shared values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, fight against corruption, strong and independent justice systems, respect for human rights and good governance, and that the Eastern Partnership countries most committed to deepening relations with the EU and willing to undertake and implement the necessary reforms at both political and economic level should be duly taken into account and supported, thus creating an incentive for further European integration.

Declaring that the depth and scope of relations with each partner country should reflect its own European integration ambition, commitment to shared values, and progress in reforms based on EU legislation, assessed on the basis of clear benchmarks and on its own merits.

TO CONSOLIDATE PARTNERSHIPS

Inviting the EU to develop more targeted support aimed at assisting Eastern Partnership states in the implementation of the Association Agreements, and reforms, a particular emphasis being put on SMEs, as well as consolidating capacities of local self-governments and civil society, which will create a solid foundation for well-governed and prosperous states.

Emphasising the important role of civil society in the EaP countries as an integral element of a well-functioning democracy. Initiatives such as the Civil Society Forum, Civil Society Dialogue and Eastern Partnership Youth Forum are important tools in the structural engagement of civil society in the process of European integration and ensure its active involvement in cooperation with national authorities and their counterparts in EU Member States based on the principle of twinning homologues. Additional efforts should be made in assisting partner states via the active engagement of civil societies in countering information campaigns from outside aimed at discrediting the European integration path they have chosen to follow, inter alia by implementing the Association Agreements with the EU.

Underlining that strengthening partnerships with various organisations and sectors of society is crucial for enhancing ownership of the EaP policy by societies both within the EU and in partner countries.