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EU to establish East Cooperation Organization with the participation of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine and Moldova

23 May 2008 10:18 (UTC +04:00)

As EU officials mull a Mediterranean Union to bring in the blocâ€™s southern neighbors, some eastern members want a similar initiative to focus on former Soviet states. But it wouldnâ€™t include the regionâ€™s biggest player, APA reports quoting Deutsche Welle
Called the Eastern Partnership, the new initiative would offer participating countries liberalized trade, the lifting of travel restrictions, cultural exchanges and aid programs. The eastern partners, in return, would be expected to push ahead with political and economic reforms.
Unlike the Mediterranean Union, the Eastern Partnership would not have its own secretariat, but would be run by the European Commission and financed from the European neighborhood policy budget.
The plan falls short of giving countries any prospects of EU membership, as western European states are wary of any further expansion drives at the moment. Poland, however, does back eventual membership for Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
EU foreign ministers are likely to discuss the idea at their meeting in Brussels on Monday, May 26. The plan has reportedly been well-received by the EU Commission as well as key member states, including Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Italy, Portugal and Spain, on the other hand, are skeptical, reports said.