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''The acts against Ukraine and the events in Georgia since 2014 have shown that the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders cannot be taken for granted in the 21st century on the European continent,'' the declaration, agreed by the leaders of the 28 EU members and six Eastern Partnership countries, reads.

The declaration goes on to say that the EU remains committed in its support to the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all its partners.

''Full adherence to all the principles and commitments enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and 1990 Charter of Paris by all OSCE Participating States, as well as full respect for the principles and provisions of the UN Charter, is critical to our vision of a free, democratic, peaceful and undivided Europe. The participants of the Summit stress that the Eastern Partnership aims at building a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, stability and increased cooperation and is not directed against anyone. In this context, the Summit participants express their willingness to help rebuild trust and confidence on our continent,'' the declaration points out.

''The Summit participants strongly support all efforts aimed at de-escalation and a political solution based on respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They call on all parties to swiftly and fully implement the Minsk Agreements of September 2014 and the package of measures for their implementation. They expect all parties to honor their commitments in this framework. They call for the urgent release of all hostages and unlawfully detained persons. They express their full support for the OSCE and its efforts through the Special Monitoring Mission and the Trilateral Contact Group. They will also continue to support all diplomatic efforts within the Normandy format and appreciate the contribution of Belarus in facilitating negotiations,'' the declaration reads.

The declaration goes on to say that Summit participants call upon all parties to fully cooperate with the international investigations and criminal proceedings to hold to account those who are responsible for the downing of MH17.

''The EU reaffirms its positions taken in the Joint Statement made at the EU-Ukraine Summit on April 27, including on the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. The Summit participants reaffirm their positions in relation to 'UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine'.,'' the declaration points out.

The declaration also urges the sides involved to continue looking for peaceful solutions to the Nagarno-Karabakh conflict, as well as in the separatist regions of Moldova and Georgia.

''The Summit participants emphasize the need for the earliest peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the region on the basis of the principles and norms of international law. The resolution of conflicts, building trust and good neighborly relations are essential to economic and social development and cooperation,'' the declaration reads.

The declaration goes on to praise the signing of Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and point out that ''this is an important step in their integration into the EU''.

Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga does not have to make any major steps, President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said during a meeting with Latvian President Andris Berzins on Thursday.

Tusk said that regardless of aggression and the ongoing war, the EU has confirmed cooperation with its Eastern partners. He also said that partnership is a collective priority of the EU, adding that the bloc wants to maintain relations with all Eastern Partnership countries, in accordance with every individual country's needs and wishes.

The EU wants to help them change for the good of the people, without any external pressure, said Tusk, adding that the EU is a reliable long-term partner.

The Riga Summit does not have to make any large steps. The Eastern Partnership will move forward step-by-step, just like when the EU was formed, said Tusk, indicating that the Eastern Partnership is not aimed against Russia.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said during the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga today that Georgia and Ukraine have been submitted a list of improvements they must still make for visa-free travel to be introduced.

In a press conference, Juncker said that the European Commission will make its assessment of the progress made by Georgia and Ukraine by December 15.

Meanwhile, European Council President Donald Tusk that this process will have to be approved by the Council and all of the 28 EU member states.

''The main signal we saw today was that this visa liberalization process is very important. The political mood is very optimistic,'' he said.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko promised to everything her can to achieve visa-free travel with the European Union, he said today during the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.

In a special press conference, Poroshenko said that only technical, not political, aspects remain in concluding the visa-free regime.

''There are matters left for us to solve in fighting terrorism and organized crime, but I intend to do everything I can to achieve the best results by September,'' the Ukrainian president said.

Meanwhile, speaking about the signing of a EUR 1.8 billion loan to Ukraine at the Riga Summit today, Poroshenko explained that the funds will not be used to help recover the country's lost territories, but to implement the necessary reforms.

''I am truly happy that in all of the summit debates, we continued to hear the EU's solidarity towards Ukraine. This is especially important for Ukraine at this time, as our people are paying with their lives their decision to see Ukraine's future in Europe,'' he said, adding that while in Riga he had several important bilateral meetings, including one with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

''In all of my meetings, we continued to received strong support for Ukraine,'' he said.

At the same time, Poroshenko said that he is also optimistic about the summit's declaration.