Out of the Eastern Partnership states, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia are all involved in disputes that directly affect Europe’s security.

The countries involved are in need of positive feedback from the EU, because without it support for the governments in favour of integration in those countries will decrease dramatically, Szijjártó said. He called on the EU to grant visafree status to Georgia and Ukraine with immediate effect, given that those countries have both fulfilled all criteria for receiving it.

The minister said Hungary recommended signing a strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan as soon as possible, as it is the EU’s only source for energy diversity in the short run. Hungary also recommended opening up EU funds for Belarus, arguing that trade relations with it are expected to be “especially beneficial” for the EU.

Source: www.hungarymatters.hu
Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.