“The tenth anniversary of the Eastern Partnership should be an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the measures adopted in the east, and to hold a discussion on the way forward for this programme,” said the chief of Polish diplomacy. As Minister Czaputowicz emphasized, the EaP is an important tool of cooperation between the EU and its eastern neighbours. He also commented on the events organized by Poland to encourage the much-needed reflection on the EaP’s future.

With developments in Venezuela heading in an uncertain direction, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini briefed the ministers on the rationale behind establishing an International Contact Group. Its aims will be to seek a peaceful and democratic solution to the ongoing crisis, and to create conditions for a credible political process that will be consistent with the Venezuelan constitution. In this context, Minister Czaputowicz strongly endorsed the EU’s joint position on Venezuela. “There is still room for mediation or support for the political process, which is why we are in favour of the International Contact Group,” emphasized the foreign minister. He went on to stress that Latin American countries and the Organization of American States should play a key role in the political process, which would add legitimacy to international efforts and a future interim government. “We should guarantee a peaceful process of political transformation and support plans to hold free and fair elections that would involve international election observation missions,” he added. The ministers also discussed whether to impose further sanctions on those individuals who carry special responsibility for hindering democratic processes or for using violence against demonstrators in Venezuela. The EU foreign policy chiefs expressed their readiness to increase humanitarian assistance to the country.

Ahead of the Gymnich meeting, Poland’s top diplomat met with his Lithuanian counterpart. The ministers signed a Memorandum on an essay competition devoted to the EaP for students from the EaP countries. The competition will be held to mark the EaP’s tenth anniversary which falls this year.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA