The chief of Polish diplomacy assured his interlocutors of Poland’s invariable support for the ambitious development of EaP policies. While discussing the expectations towards the upcoming EaP summit, Minister Czaputowicz noted that faced with new global challenges, the EU and its partners should set ambitious goals and respond to the needs and expectations of all participating countries. He was satisfied to note that the Eastern Partnership countries have been receiving substantial financial support from the EU to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whatever the format and the date, the EU-EaP summit should prove the EU’s involvement in the Eastern policy,” highlighted Minister Czaputowicz. He also added that the summit’s primary focus should be economic revival. “In the next stage, once the epidemic is contained, we will have to focus on joint actions to tackle the economic and social consequences of the crisis,” underlined the Polish top diplomat.

Minister Czaputowicz also announced further consultations of Central and Eastern European countries on the development prospects for the EaP states. Poland’s year-long presidency of the Visegrad Group, starting on 1 July, will be an opportunity to hold the consultations. The head of the Polish MFA also announced that foreign ministers’ meeting will be held in the V4 and EaP format to work out recommendations for future policy. The Eastern Partnership foreign ministers reiterated their engagement in the development of EaP, particularly in the economy, energy and infrastructure.

Poland actively supports the Eastern Partnership states in their struggle against the coronavirus pandemic under its development assistance and humanitarian aid programmes. One of the initiatives was a convoy carrying medicines, medical and protective equipment which arrived in Belarus on 23 April. “Poland provides the EaP countries with quick and necessary help proving our solidarity with and support for our partners in these times of hardship for all of us,” underscored Minister Czaputowicz. He also declared Poland’s readiness to continue helping should the Eastern Partnership countries require assistance to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more on Poland’s help for the EaP countries fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on this website. 

 

MFA Press Office