The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a priority of the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Germany’s Ambassador to Moldova Angela Ganninger noted in a news conference at IPN. According to the diplomat, together with the EaP states, there were identified a number of objectives on which attention will be concentrated in the immediate period. These include the creation of a resistant, sustainable and integrated economy, accountability of institutions, building of the rule of law and security, environmental and climate resilience, digital transformation and creation of an equitable and inclusive society.
Angela Ganninger also said that preparations are now made for the Eastern Partnership Summit that will take place next March. This is an important event for the EaP countries. During the Presidency of the EU Council, Germany also plans to organize another three large events.
The first is the Youth Conference of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum that will be held online. The conference’s priorities will center on climate, energy, consumption and waste. The second event – the meeting of EU environment ministers with EaP ministers - will take place on Octobers 22. The ambassador said they hope this could be an event with physical presence. The third announced event is the Eastern Partnership Business Forum set to take place in Düsseldorf in the first half of November 2020.
The assessment and assistance principles for the EaP countries during Germany’s Presidency will remain the same. “The measures will be the same as last year. There will be used the same methods and instruments, but it also depends on the discussions between partners and some others could appear. The more for more principle could remain valid and this will be one that will guide us. I think it will remain as it is an important system from our perspective,” added Angela Ganninger.
The ambassador also said that the EU and Moldova organize their relations based on the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement. “This is the framework through which we cooperate with the Republic of Moldova, which does not mean that Moldova’s relationship with the Russian Federation is influenced by this. Moldova has its own relations with the Russian Federation and I think that during our Presidency we will strengthen the relations with Moldova, and the EU’s relations with Russia.”
Germany holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU during July 1 – December 31, 2020.
