II SÉRIE-D — NÚMERO 16

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transfer of weapons and armed combatants across the border from Russia to Ukraine, withdrawal of Russian

armed forces and mercenaries from the territory of Ukraine, setting up a permanent monitoring of the Ukraine-

Russia border by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, restoring to Ukrainian authorities a full control over

Ukraine’s border with Russia, freeing all hostages and illegally detained persons, such as pilot Nadia

Savchenko, as well as the restoration of Ukraine's control over its whole territory, including Crimea.

13. Welcomes the decision of the extraordinary EU Foreign Affairs Council of 29 January 2015 to extend

sanctions to persons and entities threatening or undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity;

indicates that the decision of the EU to ease, lift or increase sanctions imposed against Russia will directly

depend on the implementation by Russia of its commitments under the Minsk Agreements; in the case of any

further Russian actions destabilising Ukraine, invites the European Council to take further restrictive measures

and broaden their scope; in this regard notes that further preparatory work has to be undertaken by the

Commission and the EEAS on any appropriate action.

14. Emphasises that a sustainable and peaceful solution to the conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk regions in

Ukraine can be achieved only by political means and diplomatic negotiations; notes the need to keep the

channels of communication with Russia open; acknowledges that these relations shall be based on the respect

for international law.

15. In view of the new threats posed by the massive and comprehensive propaganda of Russia, expresses

support for developing a common EU communication strategy which would enable the EU to effectively counter

disinformation campaigns carried out in such an information war; welcomes the decision of the extraordinary

EU Foreign Affairs Council of 29 January 2015 to task the HRVP to step up efforts, in cooperation with Member

States and EU institutions, to further improve strategic communication in support of EU policies and to explore

options for the establishment of a dedicated communication team to lead these actions.

16. Encourages Ukraine to maintain a strong focus and make progresses on the key reform areas by further

stabilising the political, economic, social, judicial and financial situation in the country, in particular by

implementing constitutional reform and fighting corruption; emphasises the key role played by the EU in

supporting the Ukrainian reform efforts, including by financial and technical means.

European Neighbourhood

17. Underscores that both the Eastern and Southern dimension of the EU Neighbourhood Policy are equally

important and should be supported without an unnecessary competition between them; recognises that, in the

light of the new political and military challenges in both principal bordering regions, the EU has to substantially

revise its policy towards its neighbourhood by, inter alia, placing a greater emphasis on establishing closer

cooperation with inhabitants and civic society.

Eastern Partnership: Towards the Riga Summit

18. Reiterates the decisive strategic role of the Eastern Partnership policy in supporting security, stability,

economic and social development, the rule of law and democracy in the EU's neighbourhood; emphasises that,

despite regional challenges, the Eastern Partnership remains a top priority in EU’s foreign policy; points out that

the Eastern Partnership must continue to serve as a joint political platform which offers differentiated

approaches to the partnership countries according to their individual aspirations in relations with the EU, also

by acknowledging the European perspective, and that in accordance with Article 49 of the TEU any European

country may apply to become member of the EU provided it adheres to the Copenhagen criteria and principles

of democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights; notes the necessity to help modernise

democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law, reform public administration and undertake economic

reforms in all the partner countries.

19. Expects the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga on 21 – 22 May 2015 to provide a good opportunity to

take stock of what has been achieved since the Vilnius Summit and, whilst reconfirming commitment to the

Eastern Partnership policy, its further development and deepening, highlights the need to assess the progress

in implementing the Association Agreements during the Riga Summit; and therefore encourages National

Parliaments to finalise the ratification of the EU Association Agreements with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova

before the Riga Summit.

20. Calls on the Riga Summit to provide strong and motivating political support for the most ambitious

partner countries that have achieved the greatest progress in their reform process by acknowledging their

European perspective and offering them a new deepened cooperation opportunities with the EU, based on a