Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Cecilia Malmstrom

Kaljurand and Malmstrom described it as important that the EU's relations with the Eastern Partnership countries remained on the table also against the backdrop of the present crises and difficult debates, spokespeople for the Estonian representation to the EU said after the meeting in Brussels.

Kaljurand said it's important that countries were approached in accordance with their own ambitiousness. "We must support those who make efforts in integration with the EU and are making concrete progress," she said.

Speaking about trade relations between the EU and Ukraine, Malmstrom and Kaljurand agreed that the free trade part of the EU-Ukraine association agreement must temporarily take effect from Jan. 1, 2016. Kaljurand described as deplorable interference by third countries and threats by them to take countermeasures in the event if the free trade part of the agreement takes effect.

Kaljurand and Malmstrom also spoke about potential EU visa waiver for Georgia and Ukraine. Kaljurand said both countries have made efforts to meet the provisions of the roadmap for visa waiver.

"We expect from the European Commission appropriate recognition of the efforts made by both Georgia and Ukraine so far," the Estonian minister said. "Visa freedom is an important message for these countries to show that homework and reform bring tangible results," she said.

On the subject of implementation of reforms in Eastern Partnership countries, Kaljurand said Estonia has always offered its support and is ready to share its reform experience also in the future.