Quotes

«The local and regional public finance reform should be considered as an urgent priority, a 'sine qua non' condition in the process of decentralisation and strengthening of local and regional authorities in the EaP countries. We need to make our voice heard by the Heads of State and highlight the added value of having a territorial dimension in the various policies covered by the Eastern partnership. Our input must not only cover cross-border cooperation but also other fields, starting from the strengthening of grass-root democracy, decentralisation and direct involvement in those policies that contribute to growth and job creation at local level».

“The value of close EU-Russia cooperation is clear to all - our regular exchanges are a sign of this...We share a continent and many common interests, which is why we want to develop this strategic partnership further”.

“This year [2012], the amount of EU assistance to Moldova reached the highest figure – €152 million, i.e. €41 per citizen – the absolute record in the Neighbourhood, denoting the EU’s trust in Moldova. The European Union is pleased with Moldova’s utilisation of funds and we encourage the government to keep the same pace in the implementation of reforms”.

"We welcome progress made by Azerbaijan to fully respect its commitments towards the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the EU. It is a long process and there are still challenges in areas such as freedom of the media, freedom of assembly and freedom of association".

There are many challenges on Ukraine’s road towards political association and economic integration with the European Union. We remain firmly engaged to developing relations with Ukraine, but we cannot realise the full potential of our relations yet.

The European Union fully recognizes Armenia’s commitment to reforms and the efforts being made. We are also aware of the challenges ahead. But we are in this together and we support you.

"There is no doubt that Moldova belongs to Europe and that it already now shares a common culture, language and history with the European Union. I have said it and I can repeat it: we see Moldovans as Europeans, you belong to our family of nations."

"There is no doubt that Moldova belongs to Europe and that it already now shares a common culture, language and history with the European Union. I have said it and I can repeat it: we see Moldovans as Europeans, you belong to our family of nations".

The elections in Georgia were successfully held, and they were recognised as free and fair elections. But as we all know democracy goes beyond the Election Day. It is also the day after, and the upholding of democratic principles and rule of law on a daily basis. 

Our policy of critical engagement with Belarus is a long term challenge. The European Union’s policies are principled and with the clear goal of including Belarus in the family of democratic and open nations. However, we know that for political and economic reasons, bigger changes in this country are likely to take time.

The adoption of this [treason] law follows a number of legislative and judicial developments in the Russian Federation over the few past months. Taken together, these developments would limit the space for civil society development, and increase the scope for intimidation.

“The EU should finally devise an effective strategy how to deal with Belarus - meaning how to firmly respond to flagrant abuses of human rights and rule of law and how to support the Belarusian people and their struggling civil society."

 "Tunisia is the best and most tangible example of how the 'more for more' principle works in support of democratic transformation in our neighbourhood. [..] To achieve the goals of the revolution requires time, dedication, strong will and also patience. The experience from some of the newer EU Member States shows that thorough transformation from an autocratic system to a deep and sustainable democracy can take years." 

“The EU acknowledges the European aspirations and European choice of some partners. We are prepared to support partners along this road. The stronger the commitment to pursue genuine reform and to uphold our shared values, the more support you will be able to count on the EU.”

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to build deep and lasting democracy and prosperity in the Southern Mediterranean – doing so will require vision, perseverance and a team effort from all of Europe's institutions.”

“I am a strong believer in Georgia’s European way, and in a democratic, prosperous and reunited Georgia. It might not be the easiest possible way, but let me assure you that the European way is the real route to political and economic stability for this country.”

“As Lebanon achieves sustainable progress towards reforms, in particular in strengthening democracy, rule of law, inclusive economic development and reducing social inequalities, the EU is prepared to match this with increased support, as foreseen in the framework of the new European Neighbourhood Policy."

"Religious communities are of paramount importance for the social fabric in EU countries. This is also true for the dynamic changes in our neighbourhood. The European Parliament always stressed that the freedom of religion or belief is one of the most fundamental human rights. In order to be fully effective, as part of its neighbourhood policy, the EU needs to cooperate on the ground with religious groups on issues ranging from education and health care to rebuilding post-conflict societies.”

“We need an open partnership in which our citizens have a real stake. The neighbourhood policy towards both the Southern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe must focus on this priority. It must reflect the spirit of solidarity and be flexible enough to accommodate approaches tailored to each country.”

"To the East and South of the European Union lie sixteen countries whose hopes and futures make a direct and significant difference to us. With so much of our Neighbourhood in a process of democratic change, this review [European Neighbourhood Policy review] is more important than ever. It is vital that we in the EU make a comprehensive offer to our neighbours and build lasting partnerships in our neighbourhood.”

“Recent months have proven the need for a reinforced cooperation between the League of Arab States and a number of multilateral organizations. The European Union has particularly welcomed this development as a way of strengthening regional and global governance at a time, when better coordination is needed in face of the most pressing challenges in Europe's neighbourhood and beyond.”  

"As we look at our neighbourhood we have to be ready to rise to the challenges that are being asked of us. I can make hundreds of statements - and I do. I deplore, condemn, urge, demand - but we also need to act."

“The EU is proud of its close relationship with Jordan; a country that is successfully promoting democratic reform and economic modernization. Our new advanced status of relations will reinforce political dialogue and open more opportunities towards our shared prosperity.”

“There are so many countries in Europe that suffered from decades of unrest due to social and religious differences, before making Europe what it is today. There is a chance to learn from them, and we must grab it. I noticed the absence of programmes to absorb university students, and I thought I would create something based on conflict resolution, a skill I mastered after joining the Euro-Med Programme.”

"Prime Minister Fayyad has made enormous progress in preparing the Palestinian Authority for statehood based on the rule of law and in the spirit of good governance, even under the current difficult political environment. The EU is working in close partnership with the Palestinian Authority to assist its efforts in the field of human rights, good governance and the rule of law on the basis of jointly agreed objectives. This is a crucial part of our support to the Palestinian Authority in their endeavours to build the institutions of a future state."

“We are witnessing an Arab renaissance in relation to the call for universal values, with people today across the world seeing that ‘democracy’ and ‘freedom’ are written in Arabic. History is knocking on the doors of Arabs and Europeans to not miss the opportunity to build a common future together finally, forged by shared values of modernity, diversity and justice.” 

“Egypt's future lies in the hands of the Egyptians and it is the Egyptian people alone who can establish and maintain a stable and democratic society. However, the EU, as a neighbour and partner, stands ready to lend support in this crucial and irreversible process."