POLITICS
EU DISCUSSES EASTERN PARTNERSHIP
Baku, 24 February (AZERTAC). European Union Foreign Ministers yesterday have discussed in Brussels Eastern Partnership Program which targets six of the EU`s immediate eastern neighbors - Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and, provisionally, Belarus.
Between 2007-13, the EU has embarked 1.4 billion euros for its eastern neighbors, and also vowed to throw in an extra 600 million euros. The partners will be offered eventual free trade, visa-free travel, and close energy cooperation - assuming they harmonize their laws with those of the EU`s, reform their economies, and demonstrate democratic progress.
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero Waldner said `we have a crucial interest in political and economic stability in those countries`.