“Despite challenges and uncertainties, three of our partner countries – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia – now started their EU accession which is a clear recognition of the effectiveness of the Eastern Partnership policy in bringing these countries closer to the EU, ” said Olivér Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement addressing the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels.

Here is the Commissioner’s video message as delivered for the Euronest PA opening:

“Honorable members of the parliament, and distinguished guests, it is a pleasure to address the 11th session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. Let me start by thanking you for your long-standing commitment to the Eastern Partnership framework particularly in this challenging time. As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, the EU stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people as they defend their freedom. We will not tire in our efforts to support Ukraine.

We have also seen a challenging era in the South Caucasus, with the displacement of over 100 thousand people from Nagorno Karabakh. The EU and its member states work quickly to provide humanitarian support, to address the emergency needs of refugees. We are also working with the Armenian government and international financial institutions to help them long integrate, including housing.

At the same time, there is still an opportunity to achieve sustainable peace in the region. The EU stands ready to continue with mediation, and we are also ready to invest in cross-border connectivity when conditions allow for delivering benefits to all people in the region. Based on our leaders and guidance, we have also been working on strengthening our relations with Armenia and step up security cooperation, sectoral work and investment. COP 29 in the horizon, we also have a solid agenda with Azerbaijan to move toward a green transition and invest further in renewables.

Let me also welcome representatives of Belarusian civil society who continue to show remarkable resilience in the face of the Lukashenko regime’s brutal crackdowns. The EU support for the people of Belarus has been of unquestionable priority. It includes the support of civil society in a variety of sectors as well as supporting the democratic opposition in exile.

Despite these challenges and uncertainties, three of our partner countries – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia – now started their EU accession which is a clear recognition of the effectiveness of the Eastern Partnership policy in bringing these countries closer to the  EU. Fifteen years after its creation, Eastern Partnership continues to deliver meaningful results across different areas making a difference in the lives of citizens in the region. The Eastern Partnership is also adapted to fast-evolving challenges by becoming a flexible and strategic regional dialogue cooperation framework.

In this context, we have stepped up our engagement in security, good governance and socio-economic recovery as well as investing further in green and digital transitions, energy independence and health resilience. Through the Eastern Partnership, we are also supporting our accession partners in the region and making progress on the enlargement path,” he said.