PM: Eastern Partnership is not a beauty contest between the EU and … – Onet.pl

 
  Photo: Reuters
 
 
  Donald Tusk
 
 
 

– For those who argue that the Partnership Eastern is aimed at Russia, I answer that it is not. The Eastern Partnership is not a beauty contest between Russia and the EU. But to be honest, this beauty that counts. If Russia would be gentler, nicer, more attractive, you may not have to compensate for their shortcomings by applying to its neighbors destructive and aggressive tactics – rated Tusk just before the start of the summit in the Latvian capital PW.

He assured the six countries belonging to the PW – Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus – about the fact that despite the Russian aggression and war that began in Ukraine ” Union’s commitment to the Eastern partners has never been so great. ” According to the head of the European Council of proof is the presence in Riga 25 of 28 EU leaders.

– I’m in fully convinced that the Eastern Partnership is our common priority in Europe and this applies only to countries in Eastern Europe or Central – said Tusk. He also stated that the EU “wants to develop relations with all partners in the Eastern Partnership” and “cooperation to match their expectations, preparedness and sovereign elections.” According to the President of the European Council, the EU wants to help its partners from the East in transforming societies for the benefit of citizens, so that society will become “more resistant to external pressure.”

Tusk appealed for patience and explained that the aim of the summit, which ends on Friday, is also confirmed that the EU is “trusted partner for years”. – Riga summit is not meant to proclaim giant steps forward. Our partnership will be developed step by step, as the European Union was built. In this context, it means real progress in trade, energy, mobility, reform, which is in the interests of our partners, but also the whole of Europe – he stressed.

The fact that it is not “anti-Russian summit” also mentioned the European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. – This is not a meeting that applies to EU membership, but we must make sure that for each country there is the prospect of the EU. They are not ready, we’re ready. The process continues – he stressed.

The compromise draft outcome document of the summit stressed that both the EU and its Eastern partners attach importance to cooperation within the Eastern Partnership. Each country PW has a “sovereign right to choose the level of ambition and purpose for which it aspires in its relations with the EU” – says the project.

also confirmed the commitments made at the summit of the Eastern Partnership in previous years and added a provision on the recognition of “European aspirations and the European choice of partners, in accordance with what is stated in the association agreements.”

(marb)