EU’s increasing focus on connectivity — not only within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region but extending towards Central Asia and Türkiye was a key message throughout the Business Forum held in Warsaw under the Polish EU Council Presidency.
At a crucial moment for the region, the European Commission reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deeper economic cooperation and strategic connectivity during the Eastern Partnership Business Forum 2025.
The aim of the event is to discuss broad economic cooperation between the EU and the partner countries, as well as to exchange experiences, establish business contacts and discuss investment opportunities and joint projects between entrepreneurs and governments within the EaP.
Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Ms Katarzyna Smyk, Head of the Commission Representation in Poland, emphasised the enduring value and adaptability of the Eastern Partnership: “Over the past decade, we have seen the tangible benefits of our cooperation — from free trade agreements and visa liberalisation to major infrastructure and investment projects. Our partnership is a win-win. But we must also adapt it to meet today’s geopolitical and economic challenges.”
She noted that "our response to uncertain times is to strengthen cooperation - better connections and connections in the region is one of the possible priorities to address challenges more effectively."
Key achievements of the Eastern Partnership to date were noted, including:
- A doubling of EU–EaP trade volumes (2017–2023)
- EUR 15.4 billion mobilised under the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan in support of access to finance for over 100,000 SMEs
- Major infrastructure projects like the East-West Highway in Georgia and Solidarity Lanes connecting Ukraine and Moldova to EU markets.
The session on Ukraine’s reconstruction, attended by Deputy Head of State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Roman Komendant, underscored priorities such as infrastructure rebuilding, support for war-affected communities, and expanded SME financing. Throughout this, the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable recovery fully aligned with Ukraine’s EU accession path.
In closing, a panel of public and private actors — including the EIB, EBRD, BGK, Ukrainian ECA, and CRH Poland — explored de-risking strategies and new public-private investment partnerships for the region.
Bringing together over 200 high-level delegates, including Deputy Ministers from Poland, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, the event served as a critical platform for advancing dialogue on investment, resilience, and regional integration.
Experts from EU Member States and Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, independent Belarusian businessmen) along with representatives from the European Commission, the OECD, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Polish Development Bank (BGK) also participated.
Ukraine’s military says it struck an oil refinery, storage facility and military airfield inside Russia, in one of its largest cross-border drone op...
Armenia and the United States will conduct joint military exercises in Armenia from 12 to 20 August, focusing on peacekeeping and medical evacuation t...
Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, met with Dragana Kojic, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Az...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 2nd August, covering the latest developments you need to know....
BRICS is no longer just a club of emerging economies, it’s evolving into a global power bloc. With more countries joining and dozens lining up, BRIC...
Russia on Tuesday announced a major expansion of its entry ban list targeting EU officials, law enforcement, and academics in response to fresh sanctions packages over Ukraine.
The European Union and Japan announced the launch of a Competitiveness Alliance to boost cooperation on trade, economic security, and innovation and the twin transitions.
Four pro-Russian parties in Moldova announced on Tuesday they will unite in a bid to win the September 28 parliamentary election and challenge the pro-European government of President Maia Sandu.
Tensions mount as Georgia rejects European Union reform requests tied to its membership candidacy, signalling a new phase of political resistance from Tbilisi.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
Australian researchers have pioneered a low-cost and scalable plasma-based method to produce ammonia gas directly from air, offering a green alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, met with Dragana Kojic, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Azerbaijan, as she concludes her diplomatic mission in the country.
High-ranking delegations from UN member states, business leaders, and representatives of international financial institutions will gather in Turkmenistan for a UN conference aimed at supporting developing countries whose economies are often “locked out” due to lack of access to the sea.
Uzbekistan has officially approved a new concept aimed at overhauling its system of military professional education, focusing on modernization, integration, and broader career opportunities for service members.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 3 August, to meet with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Julie Stufft, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to Kazakhstan, outlined her priorities during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing, pledging to support 'America's growing strategic partnership with Kazakhstan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment