The Eastern Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a comprehensive policy framework that aims to deepen the cooperation between the European Union (EU) and six eastern European partner countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The EPA has been in place since 2009 and has since then, acted as a platform for advancing political association and economic integration between the EU and its eastern partners.
The EPA is based on the principles of joint ownership, differentiation, and conditionality. It provides the eastern partners with a framework for political association, economic integration, and convergence with EU norms and standards. The partnership offers its partners access to EU markets, funds, and technical assistance programs, as well as visa-free travel to the Schengen area. The EPA also provides a political forum for discussing issues of mutual interest and tackling common challenges, such as security, energy, and climate change.
One of the main goals of the EPA is to promote economic growth and modernization in the partner countries. The agreement aims to strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption, and promote transparency and good governance. The partnership provides the partner countries with access to EU programs and funding, which are designed to promote economic development, encourage investment, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The EPA also promotes the harmonization of standards and regulations, which help to increase trade and investment between the partners.
Another important aspect of the EPA is its support for democracy, human rights, and civil society. The agreement aims to promote democratic reforms, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in the partner countries. The EPA provides support for the development of civil society, media freedom, and independent judiciary systems. The partnership also promotes the participation of women and youth in political and economic life.
The EPA is a critical instrument for advancing the EU`s strategic interests in its eastern neighborhood. It promotes stability, security, and prosperity in the region, which helps to ensure the security of the EU. The partnership also fosters people-to-people contacts, which helps to build mutual understanding and trust between the EU and its partner countries.
In conclusion, the Eastern Partnership Agreement is an important policy framework that promotes political association and economic integration between the EU and its eastern partners. The partnership aims to promote economic growth, modernization, and good governance in the partner countries, as well as democracy, human rights, and civil society. The EPA is an essential instrument for advancing the EU`s strategic interests in its eastern neighborhood, promoting stability, security, and prosperity in the region, and building mutual understanding and trust between the EU and its partner countries.