Borrell: Russian aggression has created a new reality

"The Russian aggression has created a new reality for [the] Eastern Partnership," High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told a plenary session of the European Parliament.

"We are convinced that [the] regional framework remains valid and is [an] essential tool to project the EU’s values and interests in the Eastern neighbourhood. It is also a tool that helps to deepen our relations with the Eastern partners to the benefit of citizens, both in the EU and in the Eastern Partnership countries. A safe, peaceful and prosperous Europe is a goal that we share with our Eastern partners," Borrell said.

He said the priorities for cooperation include reforms in the areas of rule of law, green, connectivity, digital and people-to-people contacts with fundamental values taking a central role in our policy.

The Eastern Partnership program was launched by the EU in 2009. Its main goal is to develop regional cooperation with six countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.