Azerbaijan, Baku, May 5 / Trend , E.Ostapenko/
"It's in the EU's vital interest to intensify relations with these countries aiming for political association and economic integration in order to promote more stability and security on the EU's Eastern border, President of European Commission José Manuel Barroso said.
"The time has come for a visible step change in relations with our East European neighbours," said President Barroso.
The initiative of the new EU Eastern Partnership, which was approved by the European Commission on Dec. 4, belongs to Poland and Sweden, and suggests closer cooperation between the EU and six former Soviet countries - Ukraine, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Belarus.
Within the framework of the program, negotiations will be hold on cancellation of visa regime, opening of free trade zone and signing of strategic agreements with EU participating countries, as well as projects on exchange of students, protection of environment and energy safety.
Through the Eastern Partnership the EU also shows its solidarity with the partners so deeply affected by the consequences of the current financial and economic crisis, Barroso said.
The EU summit, which will be dedicated to the opening of the eastern Partnership, will be held in Brussels on may 7. The summit will be chaired by Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]