An address and discussion with
H.E. Miroslav Lajčák
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs
Slovak Republic
Introduced and moderated by
Damon Wilson
Executive Vice President
Atlantic Council
The third of its kind, November’s EaP Summit is expected to mark progress in political association and economic integration with Eastern Partnership countries by advancing a series of Association Agreements, including Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. These agreements would represent a substantive leap toward real transformation in Eastern Europe. They will progressively integrate the partner countries into the EU internal market and further intensify cooperation between the EU and its neighbors to the east. Yet each of these countries faces internal and external challenges which could disrupt their European aspirations.
At the same time, with only three countries seemingly progressing towards agreements next month, the future of the Partnership is far from sure. Fundamental questions remain for the EU: How should the EU proceed in the face of increasing pressure by Russia on EaP countries to join Russia’s Customs Union, Moscow’s alternative to the EaP? What is the place of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, three countries whose goals vis-à-vis the EU differ? Is it time for the EU to consider a new model or successor to the current EaP? Ultimately, are EU members prepared to offer those who make the most progress within the EaP a membership perspective?
Representatives of the press are welcome. All the proceedings of this event are on-the-record.
Business attire is requested.
Please use the West Tower Elevators when you arrive.
If you have any questions, please contact us.