News

On 27 April in Luxembourg during the European Union’s General Affairs and External Relations Council, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas and foreign ministers from other EU countries discussed the issues of the European Neighbourhood policy and the Eastern Partnership initiative.

Speaking about the situation in Moldova, the ministers encouraged the strengthening of dialogue between Moldova’s Communist Party and the opposition.

“Lithuania supports the EU’s effort to mediate in the strengthening of dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition. Both sides should enter into negotiations as fast as possible and should receive the EU mission, which would examine all the circumstances and accusations against the Government of Moldova regarding the violence and other breaches of human rights after the election,” said Minister V.Ušackas.

The difficult financial and economic situation may have long term political impact on the neighbouring countries in the East. Therefore, according to Minister V.Ušackas, it is very important to maintain the EU’s support to Ukraine and its reforms.

“The new EU-Ukraine association agreement and active participation in the multilateral projects of the Eastern Partnership initiative should strengthen the sovereignty of Ukraine and enhance the economic and political situation in the country,” said V.Ušackas.

During the GAERC meeting, the communication of the European Commission on the European Neighbourhood policy and reports on the implementation of action plans of 12 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Moldova, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine) were presented. The reports review the reforms implemented by those partner countries, their progress and current problems.

“Lithuania actively supports further strengthening of EU’s relations with Ukraine, Moldova and South Caucasus countries. We think that it is necessary to continue a differentiated cooperation, based on close interrelations with countries, which have expressed such a wish and have necessary skills,” said V.Ušackas.

On 7 May during the upcoming meeting of heads of the EU and its neighbours in the East, an official launching of the Eastern Partnership initiative, which will contribute to the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations, is scheduled. Minister V.Ušackas indicated that the newly established cooperation initiative will shape a clear-cut strategy of the development of the EU’s relations with its partners in the East. This strategy will contribute to the increase of security, deepening of economic relations and securing closer people-to-people ties.

At the GAERC meeting, the ministers also discussed the situation and relations with Myanmar and Sri Lanka, the Middle East Peace Process and problems of illegal migration at the EU borders.