The outcome of the Vilnius Eastern Partnership summit of 29 November shows that the EU must do more to support the European aspirations of its eastern partners, say MEPs in a resolution adopted on Thursday. They urge the December EU Council to send a strong political signal that the door to the EU is still open, despite Ukraine’s failure to sign the association agreement.
The resolution says the EU must use all the tools it has, including aid, trade, visa waivers and energy-security projects in a “more strategic and flexible policy” to support its eastern partners choosing to strengthen their ties with Europe.
Parliament condemns the Russian pressure exerted on Ukraine, Armenia and other eastern partners to deter them from signing agreements with the EU, urging the EU and member states to respond. It calls on the Commission to consider counter-measures if Russia breaks World Trade Organization rules with politically motivated trade sanctions against the EU and its partners.
source: europarl.europa.eu
