The EU looks east to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for stronger ties beyond 2020.
European Commission, through The Eastern Partnership, looks to increase trade, strengthen connectivity and deepen economic integration with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine beyond 2020.
More than 2,000 mainly micro remanufacturing businesses are active in these six countries where the average monthly wages are €393 ($430) compared to €897 ($968) in China. Typically, these micro remanufacturing businesses provide remanufactured and refilled products and printer repairs to local businesses. One of the largest players in the region is the Ukraine based VM Group.
Launched in 2009, the EaP is a strategic and ambitious partnership based on common values and rules, mutual interests and commitments as well as shared ownership and responsibility. It supports the delivery of many global policy objectives, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. It contributes to the overall goal of increasing the stability, prosperity, and resilience of the EU’s neighbours.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: “Our neighbours’ strength is also the European Union’s strength; the Eastern Partnership remains a crucial element of the EU’s foreign policy. Our proposals will further strengthen our six partner countries, reflecting the priorities and challenges that we share, while maintaining the emphasis on delivering tangible, positive results for all citizens.”
Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi said: “We are sending a very clear message to our Eastern partner countries: we will help you to build strong economies and to create growth and jobs by attracting foreign direct investment and by strengthening connectivity in key sectors, such as transport, energy and environment.”
