Belarus to join “Eastern Partnership” programme
The summit of the European Union has approved the plan “Eastern partnership”. It provides for strategic cooperation with six former USSR republics situated to the east of the EU. “Eastern Partnership” includes Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The new programme will come into power during a special ceremony in Prague on May 7. The time and place coincide with the social summit of the European Union.
The main task of “Eastern Partnership” is involving the six countries in the economic, political and strategic sphere of influence of the EU. Brussels has promised noticeable advantages for “the six”: free trade regime, economic assistance and regular consultations in the field of defense and security.
The EU has suggested elaborating and signing corresponding agreements on strategic partnership with these countries in the field of energy. Brussels has made it clear that it is ready to relax the visa regime for citizens of “Eastern Partnership” member states.
The budget of the programme reaching 1.4 billion euro (1.8 billion dollars) has been confirmed until 2013.
PRIME-TASS
Photo by — Vesti.RU
The main task of “Eastern Partnership” is involving the six countries in the economic, political and strategic sphere of influence of the EU. Brussels has promised noticeable advantages for “the six”: free trade regime, economic assistance and regular consultations in the field of defense and security.
The EU has suggested elaborating and signing corresponding agreements on strategic partnership with these countries in the field of energy. Brussels has made it clear that it is ready to relax the visa regime for citizens of “Eastern Partnership” member states.
The budget of the programme reaching 1.4 billion euro (1.8 billion dollars) has been confirmed until 2013.
PRIME-TASS
Photo by — Vesti.RU
