Eastern Partnership success depends on EU Member States and partner countries' strong political will

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Eastern Partnership is an initiative developed within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy to implement and reinforce it, a European official said.



"As for ENP, also for the EP how far we go in relations with each country will continue to depend on the progress made by the partners in their reform and modernization efforts. The Eastern Partnership has a strong emphasis on shared European values," Head of the European Commission Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Raul de Luzenberger said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net



"The success of this initiative will depend on strong political will of EU Member States and partner countries alike - joint ownership is essential in this. The Commission will also play a crucial role in making the multilateral framework an effective tool for cooperation," he said.



Ambassador de Luzenberger said that after adoption by the European Council, the Eastern Partnership will be launched at an "Eastern Partnership Summit" in May 2009 involving the Heads of the States or Governments of EU Member States and Partner Countries.



"From then onwards biennial summits will be held to provide direction and profile to the Partnership. Annual meetings of Foreign Affairs Ministers should review progress and provide more detailed political guidance," he said.

Full text of the interview