The EU, as a global actor, has a crucial role to play in ensuring conditions for peace, stability and sustainable democracies throughout the whole European continent. The launch of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in 2004 was a decisive step in that direction. The new response towards a changing EU neighbourhood adopted in May 2011 took stock on the changes taking place in Southern Europe and provided new ground for closer association and deeper economic integration with EU Eastern Neighbours. In their joint communication of 20 March 2013, the European Commission and the High representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy call for a ‘stronger partnership’ in the frame of European Neighbourhood Policy. Careful assessment of the progress reports show, however, that the results of ENP can be considered as limited so far. In that context, and with regards to the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, regional representatives from EU member states, and from EU neighbouring countries, gathered in Rize, on 4th October, adopted the following resolution.

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