Discussions ahead the EU Eastern Partnerships Summit in Vilnius focus on do's and don'ts for partners in order to get 'treats' at the Summit, in the form of various agreements that may or may not be signed. The emphasis is not exactly fair. There are clearly our do's as well.
The Eastern Partnership is a format to continue the EU's mission to make Europe whole and free. As such it puts us, member countries, in charge and in the lead. Not in the lead of taking things at our pace, but in the lead of making the difference.
We need to be attentive, active and ambitious. For we have shared interest to make Eastern partnerships a success story, a vital point being the Summit in Vilnius.
First, attention of member states at the highest level demonstrates EU resolve. Despite decreasing role of distances, stability, security and prosperity in our vicinity matters more. That is why Eastern Partnership platform was created 4 years ago, that is why Summit in Vilnius should serve for no less than making the difference.
The EU practices these types of Summits with only four regional partner groups.
Second, we should be active and show it. The EU can stand and wait as partners approach implementing series of internal reforms. It is safe, comfortable, even justified if we see it as a process of rewarding partners for good behavior and punishing for bad one. But if we see the Eastern Partnerships as a format to make our continent a better place to live in, our approach should turn from 'wait and see' to 'step-up and do". There are advantages not only on the 'receiving' end. 400 million Euros in export fees will be saved by EU countries after liberalizing trade in goods only with Ukraine.
Their part is to deliver on standards (democratic, legal, and economic), our part is be no less diligent demonstrating our interest and trust. And if we measure their willingness by activeness of reforms, our willingness is also measured by the same standards. Clarity of intent to intensify ties.
Our pro-activeness is not least a solid and responsible attitude to the money already invested in the region (2.4 billion euros earmarked over the last 3 years by the EU alone).
Last, the EU should be ambitious drawing clear perspective of the Eastern Partnership after Vilnius. It is not about milestones and marks in the history, it is about concrete programs that will affect lives of 76 million people in partner countries and 500 million in the EU.
It is about practical steps that improve their chances, enable us all to work together making Europe we share more democratic, stable, secure and more prosperous. Lifting trade barriers has the potential of boosting Ukraine's GDP with 6%, resulting in similar increase of average salary. Opportunity to travel freely may make people want democracy more than thousand official calls.
Before Vilnius, Eastern partners have to advance with homework. Standards must be implemented and conditions met, without a doubt. But the EU members have to do their part as well. To demonstrate interest for partners to succeed and to show clear intent to deepen ties.
So when in Vilnius, we can draw clear perspectives for the future direction, state readiness to walk it together and take actions to stand behind our words. That is success both sides equally need.
