Following 5th Eastern Partnership Summit meeting in Brussels, the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Co-President Rebecca Harms (Greens/EFA, DE) made the following statement:

November 27, 2017.

    “The Eastern Partnership Summit was a good opportunity to mark the EU and Eastern Partners' renewed commitment for the way ahead. Stimulated by the association agreements and other new partnership agreements with the European Union, some of our Eastern Partner countries have made remarkable progress on the way of European integration, but we are also facing stumbling blocks and barriers.
    The path forward towards rule of law and democracy is neither a short nor a straightforward one. The EU has gained worthwhile experience in supporting the fight against corruption, the establishment of stable institutions and independent judiciary.
    Based on the principles of differentiation and inclusiveness, the EU and Eastern Partners should make an effort to make the implementation of reforms smoother and sustainable. There are ambitious aspirations and there is a strong demand for a clear political perspective towards European integration, which we have to support.
    The numerous unresolved conflicts in the region should be tackled via additional mediation efforts and initiatives, also with the participation of the EU. This is a request coming from the people and we have, as EU, tremendous responsibilities in terms of security on our continent.”
    Quick facts
    The Euronest Parliamentary Assembly was established on 3 May 2011 in Brussels as the parliamentary institution of the EU Eastern Partnership. Meeting in plenary once a year, it aims to promote political association and further economic integration between the European Union and Eastern neighbours (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, while Belarus is not a member of Euronest PA yet).
    During its last meeting in Kyiv on 30 October - 1 November 2017 MEPs and MPs adopted seven resolutions on issues ranging from media freedom to youth unemployment, while the Bureau of the Assembly adopted an important set of messages for the summit.