Ukraine's recent decision regarding its European course won't have any implications on the European Union's determination in the relationship with Moldova, stated EU's Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule, IPN reports.
In a video-conference with reporters from Moldova and Georgia, countries that expect to initial association agreements at the Vilnius Summit later this week, the European official reiterated EU's regret over Ukraine's decision to suspend preparations for signing such an agreement.
“Ukraine's decision, whatever it is going to be – because we haven't yet heard clearly from President Yanukovych, by the way – has absolutely no implications on our determination to go ahead with Moldova ”, stated Stefan Fule.
As regards Ukraine, EU's “position remains clear: the offer of signing an unprecedented Association Agreement and DCFTA is still on the table ”, added the official.
The Commissioner also spoke about the unilateral measures adopted by Russia in relation to some members of the Eastern Partnership, saying that the EU will continue to explain to the Russian side, as well as to opposition forces in the partner countries, that building tighter ties within the Easter Partnership is not done “at the expense of relations with Russia”.
Asked about how the European Union can protect Eastern Partnership members from external pressure, Stefan Fule stated that the closer the partners get to the EU – through closer political association, deeper economic integration and intenser population mobility – the better protection the European Union will be able to offer.
The Commissioner remarked Moldova's “excellent cooperation” on visa-related issues. As announced, it is expected that the European Commission will soon make a formal proposal to the European Parliament and the Member States to approve visa-free travels for the Moldovans. Stefan Fule noted that much depends on the Member States, but he thinks they will take into account “the homework done by Moldova and the recent events in the region”.
Talking about the critic voices from the opposition regarding the Association Agreement, Stefan Fule said that, in the period between initialing and signing, everyone will have the opportunity to examine its text and see that the Agreement reflects the national interests.
