Eastern Partnership envisages increased financial assistance to partner states

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Commission's proposal for a new Eastern Partnership represents a step change in the EU's relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, Head of the European Commission Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Raul de Luzenberger said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net



"This ambitious Partnership foresees a substantial upgrading of the level of political engagement, including the prospect of a new generation of Association Agreements, far-reaching integration into the EU economy, easier travel to the EU for citizens providing that security requirements are met, enhanced energy security arrangements benefiting all concerned, and increased financial assistance," he said.



Ambassador de Luzenberger underscored that the EU proposes much more intensive day to day support for partners' reform efforts through a new Comprehensive Institution Building program, and a new multilateral dimension which will bring partners together to address common challenges.



"The Eastern Partnership includes new measures to support the social and economic development of the 6 countries, and five flagship initiatives (i.e. Integrated Border Management Program, Small and Medium sized Enterprise Facilities, Regional electricity markets, renewables and energy efficiency, Southern energy corridor and Prevention of, preparedness for, and response to natural and man-made disasters) that will give very concrete evidence of the EU support," he said.

Full text of the interview