"Everything has changed since the Vilnius summit" in late November 2013, admits Donald Tusk. But "nothing has changed when it comes to our intentions" in the Eastern Partnership countries, added the European Council president at a press conference on 22 May, closing the fourth summit focused on this element of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Tusk said he was "satisfied" with the result, "despite" the complicated and late delivery of the joint declaration.
The
13-page document
shows continuity between the Vilnius…
Funds released
While the Riga summit confirmed that the Eastern Partnership is not "against anyone" (not even Russia), the EU28 re-affirmed the high importance of this initiative. Showing a clear desire to match actions with words, they have released extra funds: an agreement providing financial aid of €1.8 billion was signed between Kyiv and the Commission on 25 April. Also, in collaboration with the EIB and the EBRD, a new programme will be launched to "release large new sums" to SMEs in the partner countries, which are "most committed to reforms".
