European cooperation and Eastern Partnership
For the past few years the EU has aimed to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine through the framework of the EaP initiative. More recently, the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council hosted the conference 'Enhancement of European International Cooperation and Eastern Partnership in R&D&I'(EEP2013). Focused particularly on cooperation in RDI with EaP countries at the international level, the conference was organised with support of the EEP 2013 project. This action was undertaken within the context of the European Research Area (ERA), Innovation Union and Europe 2020. There were 174 participants from 25 countries and attendees included main stakeholders from the European Commission, national policymaking bodies, policymakers and ambassadors. Main topics included lack of political commitment, the development of a common EU Member States strategy, and openness towards third countries with regard to other ERA-related topics. Main project outcomes were a platform for informal discussions, adoption of the declaration of the conference and topics on further collaboration with EaP countries. Recommendations were made for the advancement of international relations through strategic partnerships with third countries to address specific problems these countries face. Discussions at the conference will enhance cooperation in RDI. They should also prove valuable for politicians in supporting the transition to democracy and a market economy, as well as strengthening economic and social cooperation.
Keywords
Eastern Partnership, EU policies, Horizon 2020, Member States, International Cooperation
