In 2006, the relationship between the European Union and the
countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia will be distinguished
mainly by the effort of setting up the so-called four “common
spaces” Agreement concluded with the Russian Federation
in May 2005 (Common Economic Space; Common Space of Freedom, Security
and Justice; Common Space of Cooperation in the Field of External
Security; Common Space on Research, Education and Culture). Another
main objective will be to monitor the concrete application of
the Action Plans which were also concluded in 2005 with Ukraine
and Moldova within the framework of the European Neighborhood
Policy. Yet another important challenge will be the conclusion
of negotiations for the Action Plans with the three southern Caucasus
countries (Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan). As far as Central
Asia is concerned (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan,
Kyrgyzstan), the European Union is following the economic and
political evolution of the area with great interest, and is encouraging
inter-regional dialogue; special efforts will be dedicated to
the improvement of relations with Uzbekistan, which have deteriorated
considerably following the events in Andijan.
Italy believes that a well-balanced development of the European
Neighborhood Policy is fundamental. It must begin with a serious
application of the Action Plans; the financial instruments which
are currently represented by the Tacis programs, and which in
the future will be represented by the European Neighborhood and
Partnership Instrument (ENPI), must used in the best way possible.
The strengthening of relations with the Russian Federation also
deserves particular attention; we are bound to Russia by a “Strategic
Partnership” relationship and by a growing economic interdependence,
which has clearly emerged in the recent energy supply crisis.
