Verklaring Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over overleg Oostelijk Partnerschap (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 22 July 2013 A

Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"High Representative Catherine Ashton chaired the annual meeting of the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers in Brussels today. In their debate the ministers focused on the preparation of the next Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius on 28 and 29 November of this year.

At today's meeting, the High Representative stressed that the European Union wants the summit to be a success, but this very much depends on the partner countries who need to deliver on their commitments.

So far, important progress has already been achieved. Catherine Ashton underlined that the efforts must continue so that the summit will represent a milestone in the relationship between the EU and partner countries.

She stressed that - provided that the remaining steps will be taken in the weeks ahead - the Vilnius summit would be a summit of delivery, both in terms ofpolitical association and economic integration."