The “Way to Europe”. What is It?
Lately, the phrase “Way to Europe” has been used more often with the reference to the programs of long-term development of post-Soviet countries. Thus, recently Kazakhstan Government has published a program with the kind of title. And however, there is no clear definition of this term. Frequently its interpretations are absolutely different. The term itself carries diverse semantics. It comprises a total spectrum of the views of further development of all post-Soviet states. The understanding of the meaning varies from strategic plans of the EU joining and leading of Euro-oriented foreign policy, up to plain improvement of quality and standards of living. The only thing that unites all interpretations: the “Way to Europe” – is not a program of mass migration. READ MORE
European Commission funds projects to support free and fair parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova
In the context of the legislative elections in the Republic of Moldova on 5th of April, the European Commission has allocated funds amounting to €3 million for projects to promote and monitor compliance with international standards during the electoral process. The holding of free and fair elections is one of the key commitments of the Republic of Moldova under its European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan with the European Union. READ MORE
EU suggests Russian Federation and Turkey to Join Eastern Partnership
This was a suggestion of the Foreign Affairs Minister of France Bernard Kouchner.
As Bernard Kouchner stated, according to the “Agence France Press”, the European Union suggests Russia and Turkey to join a number of summits within the “Eastern Partnership” program, that is devoted to the promotion of cooperation between the EU and six former Soviet Republics – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. “Everybody agreed to invite Russia and Turkey to join discussions in special cases depending on the agenda,” – stated Kouchner. READ MORE
Expectations and Reality
Georgian Way to Europe in the Retrospect of the August War.
The address of Tomasz Pojar within the IV International Conference for “European Way of Georgia - Implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy” in Tbilisi “Sheraton Metekhi Palace” hotel was highly expected, as he represented the country that presides in the EU currently. And the comments of Pojar on “Georgia’s expectations” were symbolic to some extent. READ MORE
Successful Promotion of “Nabucco” and “Eastern Partnership”
After the visits of the Czech Republic Prime Minister and the EU Chairman to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, Mirek Topolanek can positively state during the oncoming EU sessions, that these three countries won’t refuse of participation in the “Nabucco” project. READ MORE
Eastern Partnership: The West's Final Assault On the Former Soviet Union
At a meeting of the European Union's General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on May 26 of last year, Poland, seconded by Sweden, first proposed what has come to be known as the Eastern Partnership, a program to 'integrate' all the European and South Caucasus former Soviet nations - except for Russia - not already in the EU and NATO; that is, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. READ MORE
Russia Approves Belarusian Participation within “Eastern Partnership”
Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU stated that Minsk participation within “Eastern Partnership” program won’t disturb close relations between Russia and Belarus. In addition, Russian diplomat stipulated that Moscow “keeps watch over the program thoroughly”. The EU offered six post-Soviet states to join this program. READ MORE
EU-Ukraine Foreign Minister Troika meeting to confirm ambitious agenda for future relationship
On 5 February 2009 Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will participate in the EU-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Troika in Prague. The Ukrainian side will be represented by Foreign Minister, Volodomyr Ohryzko. The Troika will cover a range of bilateral issues and issues of common concern including developments in the region, the Eastern Partnership, the state of play on negotiations towards an Association Agreement as well as energy. READ MORE
V.Landsbergis: Communiqué on Eastern Partnership Omits Security Issue
Lithuanian representative to the European Parliament Vitautas Landsbergis criticizes the communiqué of the European Commission on Eastern partnership, as this document omits the issue of member-states security. On January 20th EP Сommittee on Foreign Affairs together with authorized General Director of the EC RELEX Directorate-General Eneko Landaburu discussed a new communiqué on Eastern partnership. READ MORE
"Eastern Partnership": Analysis of the Initiative and Corresponding Russian Behavior
On December 3, 2008 the European Commission adopted a proposal by Poland and Sweden on establishing closer ties with six ex-Soviet countries. The new ‘Eastern Partnership’ scheme, which EU member states must yet endorse, will offer a step change in the EU’s relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, plus Belarus, if it embraces democracy. READ MORE
