Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine: The Association Agreements with the EU will provide growth and stability - Main contents
EPs voted today on a resolution focusing on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area components as part of the Association Agreements signed by EU with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
The text welcomes the efforts made by all three countries in ensuring that national legislation approximates EU standards, but points out that the success in this regard depends on many factors, including a stable political environment, strategic thinking, concrete plans for reforms, and good use of financial and technical international support.
MEP Hans van Baalen (VVD, The Netherlands), ALDE Spokesman on Russia and Ukraine, said:
"The EU needs stable neighbours, but also a democratic Russia would need stable neighbours. Instead, Putin destabilises Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and other former Soviet republics. It is in the interest of the EU that we help them to create political stability, economic growth and to fight corruption. Therefore, the association agreements are vital."
ALDE Group Vice-President, Petras Auštrrevičius (Liberal Movement of Lithuania), EP rapporteur on Moldova, urges the new government to start delivering the so long-awaited reforms:
"I hope that everything will be done to secure law and order in Moldova. All sides should show their interest to calm down the tensions. The country needs to move forward by so long-awaited reforms, not by unrests and violence. I urge the new government to start proving this with no delay. I strongly believe in our common -- European future -- with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine."
MEP Marietje Schaake (D66, The Netherlands), ALDE Group’s coordinator in INTA Committee, concluded:
“The Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine is an important mechanism to reinforce trade and to promote human rights in Ukraine. Clear rules provide opportunities for both European and Ukrainian businesses. The agreement also creates the framework to address corruption and to strengthen the rule of law, which are crucial reforms which the people in Ukraine need.”