Prime Ministers of Associated Trio, European Council President discuss coordination of efforts towards European integration

On the eve of the sixth Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels, the parties discussed coordination of efforts towards the European integration, the Government portal informs.

According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the countries of the Associated Trio expect the summit to provide the necessary political and strategic impetus for the Eastern Partnership, support the long-term goals of the initiative, and meet the expectations of both eastern partners and EU Member States.

"We also look forward to the EU's support for our key priorities, including European aspirations and European choice, further gradual economic integration into the European Union's internal market, and security issues," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed that the parties should pay attention to security in the region and the overall stability of the partners.

"The build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine's borders, the situation in Belarus, and the artificially organized migrant crisis reinforce our arguments about the need to pay more attention to security issues, in particular to counter hybrid threats," he said.

The countries of the Associated Trio welcomed the intention of the European Union to make 2022 the year of European defense. According to PM Shmyhal, this will open specific opportunities for associate partners.

The Head of the Government of Ukraine pointed out the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation on security and defense issues with partner countries, encouraging their participation in EU missions.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked the President of the European Council for his active participation in promoting the Eastern Partnership agenda, in particular, support for the Associated Trio format.

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