The Eastern Partnership Summit held in Brussels on December 15 adopted a Joint Declaration, which reads that the EU acknowledges aspirations and choice of the trio of associated partners – Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to enhance the cooperation with the EU in line with the principles of differentiation and inclusivity.

“We commend the full entry into force of the Association Agreements (AAs) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,” reads the declaration.

According to the Declaration, the agreements provide for accelerating the political association and economic integration with the European Union. “In this context, we acknowledge the European aspirations and the European choice of the partners concerned, as stated in the Association Agreements. The agreements provide for accelerating political association and economic integration with the European Union. We welcome progress so far and encourage the full implementation of these Association Agreements and their Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas.

We recall that the effective implementation of the Association Agreements and their DCFTAs linked to the broader process of regulatory approximation and related necessary reforms contributes to establishing the conditions for enhanced economic and trade relations with the EU leading towards further gradual economic integration in the European Union Internal Market, as envisaged in the Association Agreements. The EU remains committed to supporting the efforts of the associated partners in this regard,” reads the declaration.

The text underlines the significance of structural reforms, particularly the rule of law and justice reform and anti-corruption, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of minorities, fostering inclusive societies, gender equality and full respect for the norms of international law.

“We have come together to reaffirm our strong commitment to our strategic, ambitious and forward-looking Eastern Partnership, which remains firmly based on common fundamental values, mutual interests and shared ownership, responsibility, inclusivity, differentiation and mutual accountability,” the document notes.