Poland, as an initiator and co-founder of the EaP, has been actively participating in the debate on the future shape of the Eastern dimension of the European Union policy. During the debate in Batumi, Minister Czaputowicz presented Poland’s assessments of the Eastern Partnership and proposals on how to develop this initiative. “The Eastern Partnership has practically achieved everything that was achievable in its present form,” argued Minister Jacek Czaputowicz. “This project has contributed to the development and stabilisation of all six countries that constitute  it,” he added. At the same time, he remarked that the EaP initiative should be continued and raised to a higher level through closer cooperation and specific institutional measures. 

During his visit to Batumi, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz also met with the Georgian authorities – President Salome Zourabichvili and Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani. They discussed Georgia’s political situation after the recent social protests, among other topics. Minister Czaputowicz expressed his satisfaction with the announced introduction of proportional representation voting system in Georgian parliamentary election in 2020. He also presented Poland’s positive experience after the introduction of the electoral threshold. Minister Czaputowicz also discussed the security situation in the region with President Zourabichvili. They agreed in this context on the need for  the European Union and the United States to become more involved.

During his meeting with his Georgian counterpart, David Zalkaliani, the Polish foreign minister raised the issue of the future enlargement of the European Union and suggested that the associated countries (Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova) establish a joint secretariat to fully coordinate their activities in this regard. “Don’t pass up the opportunity to act as a group,” appealed the Polish minister.

On the sidelines of the conference in Batumi, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz also met with representatives of the Georgian political scene. 

The Eastern Partnership is a European Union external policy that has been implemented as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy since 2009. This instrument is addressed to six Eastern European countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The aim of this initiative is to bring partner countries closer to the European Union through enhanced cooperation and integrating measures, based on EU values, norms and standards. The Eastern Partnership also supports reforms that help to strengthen institutions and modernise partner countries for the benefit of their citizens.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA