Olivier Chastel attends the 2nd Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting
Olivier Chastel, Secretary of State for European Affairs represented the Belgian Presidency of the EU at the Eastern Partnership Meeting on Monday, December 13, 2010.
Launched in 2009 as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership is intended to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations and to accelerate political association and economic integration between the EU and six partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine).
Belgium is pleased with the progress made, notably in terms of the Association Agreement negotiations with certain partner countries and in terms of energy policy with the new membership of Moldova and Ukraine in the Energy Community. “This proves that, thanks to the Partnership, the EU provides real and substantial prospects for access to a European area for trade and investment, energy and personal mobility”, stated Olivier Chastel.
Belgian support for efforts to settle unresolved conflicts in Eastern Partnership countries must be maintained. “These conflicts hinder the economic and political development of partner countries and compromise regional cooperation and the stability of the European continent” continued the Secretary of State. Olivier Chastel concluded his speech with a reminder of the importance of civil society participation in strengthening the rule of law.
A ministerial partnership meeting will be held in February 2011 and a Summit will be held in Hungary in May.
