Paet: EU Must Respond Faster to Changes in Neighboring Regions
The European Union must become quicker and far more focused in its response to changes taking place in neighboring regions, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said at a meeting of his EU counterparts in Copenhagen on March 10.
According to Paet, developments in regions to the south and east must be a priority for the EU, as the bloc is directly affected by the welfare, stability and spread of democratic values in those areas.
For instance, the EU must clearly state its position in regard to Russia in light of that country's recent presidential elections. "We must emphasize the need to bring the relations onto a new and solid basis," said Paet, adding that this means finally concluding ongoing negotiations on the new EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
The minister also said that the European External Action Service, which is in charge of maintaining diplomatic relations with countries outside the EU, must increase its role in coordinating the activities of member states during foreign crisis situations.
In order to reach that objective, the EU must continue developing a common consular function among its network of delegations around the world, said Paet.
Ingrid Teesalu