Addressing the 5th Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stated that “a more goal-oriented, effective and realistic approach is required for partner countries to achieve further positive progress on their paths towards reforms”.
He added that reforms need to offer tangible benefits on the ground and that the Partnership can only be successful if people, civil societies, and businesses can feel the difference.
Muscat maintained that Malta recognises the significance of the Eastern Partnership and has continued to take work forward during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Notable achievements were the entry into force of visa liberalisation for Georgia and Ukraine and the agreement on macro-financial assistance for the Republic of Moldova. These were significant and very tangible milestones of this Partnership.
He concluded that the 20 key deliverables for 2020 for the Eastern Partnership should continue to act as a guidance to bolster economic development, facilitate connectivity, and promote exchanges and mobility.
The Eastern Partnership Summit brought together heads of state or government of European Union Members with those of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Leaders discussed and adopted a joint declaration to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and the six partner countries in four priority areas agreed in Riga, namely stronger economy, governance, connectivity, and society.