Mikser to his EU counterparts: we must maintain the Eastern Partnership as a high priority

On 8 April, Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser met with his European Union counterparts in Luxembourg where they discussed the future of the Eastern Partnership, as well as the situation in Afghanistan and Venezuela.

“This year marks the 10th year since the launch of the Eastern Partnership and this anniversary is a fitting occasion to recognise the achievements of Eastern Partnership countries and reaffirm our political support to our partners,” Foreign Minister Mikser said.

“We must also look into the future – it is important the keep the political ambitions of the Eastern Partnership high,” Foreign Minister Mikser stressed. According to him, Estonia would like to see a more ambitious relationship between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, as well as a closer cooperation with associated partners throughout various sectors. “At the same time we cannot neglect the importance of meeting the commitments the partners have already taken on,” he added.

Talking about the 20 deliverables for 2020, adopted at the 2017 Eastern Partnership summit in Tallinn, Mikser said that the Eastern Partnership countries should make more efforts towards civil society, independent media, rule of law and legal reforms.

EU foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, focusing on finding a permanent political solution to the conflict. Additionally, talks included the situation in Venezuela, and the ministers stressed the importance of the unity of the EU on the issue.

Additional information on the 20 deliverables by 2020: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/31690/eap-generic-factsheet-digital.pdf

Additional information:
Sandra Kamilova
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
+372 5667 5362
[email protected]