The European Union does not require “exclusive relations” from Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia
Chisinau, June 26 (Navigator, Petr Alekseev) – The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, called the association agreements with the European Union, which Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia will sign on Friday, June 27 in Brussels, “historic”.
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At a press conference on Wednesday, he said that “they are historic both for the countries signing the agreements and for Europe.”
The President of the European Commission believes that for Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, signing association agreements with the EU is also recognition.
“The first is recognition of the great progress achieved in recent years, their strong political determination to be closer to the EU. The second is the countries' vision of a prosperous economic model. And finally, the third is recognition of the desire of the peoples of these countries to live in accordance with European values,” Barroso emphasized, as quoted by Infotag.
According to a European official, the agreements are the most ambitious documents ever negotiated with the EU, and they “provide opportunities, but not ready-made solutions.”
“The success of the agreements largely depends on the countries, on how they will implement reforms that can bring them closer to European living standards,” Barroso said.
He noted that the agreements are concluded “not for something or against someone” and that the EU does not want or require exclusive relations with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, believing “in open societies and open economies.”
“The signing of association agreements with the EU is a logical result of the path that these countries took when they became independent,” Barroso said. He added that Russia’s reaction to the association of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia with the European Union will also be on the agenda of the European Council.
The European Union does not demand "exclusive relations" from Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia.