EU: Belarus needs reforms for closer ties
EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Police Commissioner Stefan Fuelle has voiced a condition for the development of further relations with the official Minsk. He devoted his speech at the Brussels-based Czech House to the economic aspects of EU's Eastern Partnership program, reports Radio Svaboda.
The EU commissioner admitted that much more significant financial resources than those approved last year were needed for the success of the Eastern Partnership. He also said a more active participation of EU's business circles in this program was needed. Stefan Fuelle said he was going to hold talks with the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in his effort to raise more funds for the program.
He devoted a great deal of his presentation to "indisputable leader" of the Eastern Partnership -- Ukraine. Talking about Belarus, the EU official noted that the further development of relations between Belarus and EU depends on Minsk's readiness to begin major democratic and economic reforms.
Fuelle noted that the talks with Ukraine on the association with the EU are planned to end this year. The similar negotiations with Moldova began in January. Negotiation mandates with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia have also been sent for approval. As for Belarus, the European Commission has been in talks over a temporary agreement which means a preliminary approval for association.
The EU commissioner admitted that much more significant financial resources than those approved last year were needed for the success of the Eastern Partnership. He also said a more active participation of EU's business circles in this program was needed. Stefan Fuelle said he was going to hold talks with the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in his effort to raise more funds for the program.
He devoted a great deal of his presentation to "indisputable leader" of the Eastern Partnership -- Ukraine. Talking about Belarus, the EU official noted that the further development of relations between Belarus and EU depends on Minsk's readiness to begin major democratic and economic reforms.
Fuelle noted that the talks with Ukraine on the association with the EU are planned to end this year. The similar negotiations with Moldova began in January. Negotiation mandates with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia have also been sent for approval. As for Belarus, the European Commission has been in talks over a temporary agreement which means a preliminary approval for association.
