V4 FMs discuss future of EU eastern policy, Eastern Partnership

Foreign ministers of Visegrad Group countries (V4) held a meeting here on Wednesday to discuss the EU's eastern policy and the Eastern Partnership.

In a joint statement following the talks, the ministers said the EU should offer Eastern Partnership countries a European perspective at a November summit in Brussels and that the Partnership should become an EU's priority.

Ministers said the relations between European Union and Eastern Partnership countries should focus on internal reforms, economic growth, infrastructure and energy, as well as implementation of EU association agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and framework agreement talks with Azerbaijan and Belarus.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said to reporters that the Eastern Partnership was currently the EU's only policy instrument towards its eastern neighbors. According to Waszczykowski, it should be adjusted to deteriorating conditions in its region caused by the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn pointed out the importance of improving infrastructure connections between Europe and its eastern partners. "Having a well-functioning road and rail connection, but also energy and information infrastructure is very important for building stability in the region and prospects for people," he said.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed that Hungary, which will take over V4 presidency in July, will continue work to improve energetic and transport connection between Central and Eastern European regions.

The Eastern Partnership is an initiative aimed at economy and trade relations and other issues between the EU and the states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. It was initiated by Poland and Sweden and inaugurated in 2009. Endit