C/2026/1110

26.2.2026

Resolution by the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly on promoting fair trade, cooperation and investments between the EU and EaP countries in support of connectivity, the green transition and infrastructure development, as adopted on 30 October 2025

(C/2026/1110)

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

— having regard to the European Commission communication of 19 February 2020 entitled ‘Shaping Europe’s Digital Future’ (COM(2020)0067),

— having regard to the joint communication from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 1 December 2021 entitled ‘The Global Gateway’ (JOIN(2021)0030),

— having regard to the joint communication from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 18 March 2020 entitled ‘Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020: Reinforcing Resilience –an Eastern Partnership that delivers for all’ (JOIN(2020)0007), which established the Eastern Partnership Economic and Investment Plan,

— having regard to the Joint Declaration of 15 December 2021 of the Eastern Partnership Summit entitled ‘Recovery, Resilience and Reform’,

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 1 ) on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T),

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 2 ) on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E),

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1059 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 3 ) on the European Territorial Cooperation goal (Interreg),

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 4 ) establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe,

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 5 ) laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus and the Cohesion Fund,

— having regard to technical-assistance and project-preparation facilities such as JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) and EPIC (Facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity),

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council  ( 6 ) establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation,

— having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part  ( 7 ) , including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, signed on 27 June 2014 and in force since 1 July 2016,

— having regard to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part  ( 8 ) , signed on 24 November 2017, provisionally applied since 1 June 2018 and fully in force since 1 March 2021,

— having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part  ( 9 ) , signed on 22 April 1996 and in force since 1 July 1999,

— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 8 June 2022 on security in the Eastern Partnership area and the role of the common security and defence policy  ( 10 ) ,

— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 12 December 2023 on the implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe  ( 11 ) ,

— having regard to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly resolution of 21 February 2023 on green energy transition as a response to current energy-security challenges in the Eastern Partnership in the context of Russia’s war of aggression and occupation,

— having regard to the European Commission communication of 12 May 2022 entitled ‘An action plan for EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes to facilitate Ukraine’s agricultural export and bilateral trade with the EU’(COM(2022)0217),

— having regard to the agreement of 9 May 2023 between the European Commission and the Republic of Moldova on associating Moldova to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF),

— having regard to the agreement of 19 September 2025 between the European Commission and the Republic of Moldova to extend the 29 June 2022 Road Transport Agreement until 31 March 2027,

— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/792 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024 establishing the Ukraine Facility  ( 12 ) , including the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF),

— having regard to the agreement of 6 June 2023 between the European Commission and Ukraine on associating Ukraine to the CEF,

— having regard to the agreement of 25 September 2025 between the European Commission and Ukraine to extend the 29 June 2022 Road Transport Agreement until 31 March 2027,

— having regard to the joint communication from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 28 May 2025 entitled ‘The European Union’s strategic approach to the Black Sea region’ (JOIN(2025)0135),

— having regard to the memorandum of understanding on the Black Sea green energy corridor of 17 December 2022 between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary, with the support of the European Commission, establishing the framework for the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable,

— having regard to the agreement of 18 January 2024 between the European Commission and Georgia on associating Georgia to the CEF,

— having regard to the memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of energy between the European Commission and Azerbaijan signed on 18 July 2022,

— having regard to the European Commission communication of 18 May 2022 entitled ‘REPowerEU Plan’ (COM(2022)0230),

— having regard to the European Commission’s announcement of 5 April 2024 of the EU-Armenia Resilience and Growth Plan,

— having regard to the political agreement of 30 June 2025 between the European Union and Armenia on a new partnership agenda,

— having regard to the Washington-brokered declaration of 8 August 2025 between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to the initialling of the agreement on establishment of peace and interstate relations,

A.

whereas the Global Gateway is the European Union strategy aimed at supporting the development of sustainable, transparent and secure links in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and is designed to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world; whereas both the Eastern Partnership and the Global Gateway share the objective of promoting sustainable connectivity, economic resilience and inclusive development, and increasing trade, investment and support for private-sector growth, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in order to deepen economic ties between the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries;

B.

whereas the TEN-T and TEN-E, together with funding instruments such as the CEF, the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and the InvestEU programme, provide the European Union’s key policy and financial frameworks for developing sustainable, interoperable and resilient infrastructure in transport and energy, thereby supporting the objectives of the EU digital strategy through coordinated investments in smart, clean, secure and efficient connectivity;

C.

whereas the TEN-T and TEN-E not only strengthen the European Union’s internal connectivity but also facilitate links with neighbouring regions, helping to expand trade, investment, and secure energy and transport connections with partner countries; and whereas Horizon Europe complements these by providing research and innovation capacities that drive the green and digital transitions underpinning sustainable connectivity within the EU and in partner countries;

D.

whereas cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation between EU Member States and neighbouring partner countries, including those in the Eastern Partnership region, is promoted under the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) and its Interreg NEXT programme, co-financed by the ERDF and NDICI – Global Europe and its financial arm, the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+); whereas such cooperation is also implemented with partners such as EIB Global and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and supported by technical assistance facilities such as EPIC, which builds on the methodological expertise of JASPERS, thereby extending EU connectivity and regional development principles beyond its borders;

E.

whereas Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has caused immense human, social and economic damage, while Ukraine has demonstrated unwavering resilience, determination and commitment to European values;

F.

whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have become key partners in advancing the objectives of the Global Gateway through their integration into the EU’s connectivity, infrastructure, trade and investment frameworks; whereas the Solidarity Lanes have strengthened logistical links between the EU, Ukraine and Moldova, facilitating trade, humanitarian assistance and regional resilience, including serving as a critical lifeline for Ukraine’s exports; whereas both countries’ association to the CEF enables participation in EU-funded transport and energy infrastructure projects aligned with the standards of the TEN-T and TEN-E, and their respective road transport agreements have enhanced market access, cross-border connectivity, and logistics efficiency; whereas in Moldova, all of this is materialised by projects such as the rehabilitation of the North-South railway corridor and the Iași-Ungheni rail electrification; whereas in Ukraine, the Ukraine Facility, together with its Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF), provides a comprehensive framework for reform, investment and reconstruction;

G.

whereas Georgia is an important partner in advancing the objectives of the Global Gateway through its involvement in EU-aligned connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and investment frameworks; whereas Georgia benefits from its participation in EU connectivity frameworks, including targeted involvement in the CEF and inclusion in the extended TEN-T, as well as cooperation on energy interconnections aligned with the TEN-E principles; whereas projects such as the East-West highway, the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable and the Black Sea green energy corridor enhance regional energy security and renewable integration; whereas all of this reinforces Georgia’s role as a key transit, trade and investment hub, bridging Europe and Asia through the Middle Corridor trade route and the Global Gateway;

H.

whereas the EU recognises Azerbaijan as a strategic connectivity partner for the Middle Corridor and the Global Gateway; whereas initiatives, including the proposed Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable and the Trans-Caspian digital corridor projects, are intended to transmit renewable energy and high-capacity digital traffic between the Caspian-South Caucasus region and the EU and are presented as projects aligned with the Global Gateway; whereas the Southern Gas Corridor provides an established strategic gas route to EU markets that contributes to supply diversification; whereas the EU and Azerbaijan have signalled intent under initiatives such as REPowerEU;

I.

whereas Armenia has a strategic location at the nexus of Europe, the Middle East and Asia; whereas the Government of Armenia has launched its ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative to enhance national, regional and international connectivity, including through integrated roads, railways, power lines, pipelines and digital infrastructure; whereas Armenia and the EU are jointly implementing projects that serve these aims, including the Sisian-Kajaran road, as part of the North-South transport corridor, to enhance road safety, reduce travel times and boost economic resilience; whereas the reopening of the Armenia-Türkiye border will represent a historic opportunity to advance regional connectivity, trade, and cooperation and strengthen both the Middle Corridor and the Global Gateway as sustainable, secure, and diversified transport and energy routes linking Europe and Asia;

J.

whereas on 8 August 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan reconfirmed in Washington their intention to open all intrastate, interstate and international communication with respect for both countries’ territorial integrity, sovereignty and jurisdiction; whereas Armenia has expressed its intention to work with the United States of America and other mutually determined partners in establishing a framework for the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’ connectivity project within the territory of the Republic of Armenia based on the aforementioned principles; whereas this is an important step towards unlocking the full economic and connectivity potential of the South Caucasus;

1.

Underlines the geopolitical significance of the Global Gateway as the European Union’s strategic response to global connectivity and infrastructure competition and as a key instrument for promoting open, rules-based and sustainable connectivity founded on democratic values, transparency, environmental and social standards; and emphasises that in the Eastern Partnership region, the Global Gateway serves not only as an economic initiative but as a geostrategic framework that strengthens European resilience, regional stability, and strategic autonomy, while countering coercive dependencies and fostering partnerships based on mutual trust and shared prosperity;

2.

Affirms that the Global Gateway is a pivotal instrument for advancing sustainable connectivity, digital transformation, secure energy networks, resilient value chains and progressive single market alignment, where feasible, across the Eastern Partnership region; asserts that the Global Gateway can translate the European Union’s external action objectives into tangible results that foster economic growth, digital sovereignty and regional stability, while enhancing resilience and mutually beneficial cooperation with partner countries;

3.

Reaffirms that the Global Gateway and its related instruments and facilities are not only tools for infrastructure and connectivity development but also vehicles for advancing democratic governance, transparency, human rights and the rule of law; calls on the European Commission, the European External Action Service and partner governments to embed integrity safeguards in Global Gateway projects;

4.

Calls for the promotion of fair, transparent and sustainable trade and investment relations between the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries, based on mutual benefit, economic growth, and good governance; underlines that fair trade must be accompanied by predictable and transparent regulatory frameworks supported by the rule of law and judicial independence, in order to ensure legal certainty for investors; underlines the importance of improving the investment climate by strengthening institutional integrity, fighting corruption and ensuring transparent and competitive public procurement processes; underlines that the simplification of administrative procedures and the reduction of red tape are essential to build investor confidence and ensure sustainable economic growth; calls on the European Commission, partner governments, and financial institutions to facilitate responsible public-private partnerships that mobilise private capital for sustainable infrastructure, connectivity, innovation and energy projects, while maintaining accountability and value-for-money principles;

5.

Emphasises the central role of SMEs, start-ups and women- and youth-led businesses as drivers of innovation, employment and economic resilience in the Eastern Partnership region; calls for targeted support to improve SME access to finance, markets and skills development, including through EU instruments such as NDICI – Global Europe, InvestEU, Horizon Europe and the EFSD+; encourages capacity-building initiatives to help SMEs meet EU product, environmental and digital standards, thus facilitating sustainable trade integration; stresses that empowering local enterprises and social partners is essential to building resilient, competitive and sustainable economies aligned with European values and standards; encourages the creation of cross-border business hubs and innovation partnerships to facilitate technology transfer, skills development and trade between the EU and Eastern Partnership enterprises;

6.

Highlights the importance of promoting social dialogue and encouraging the deep involvement of social partners;

7.

Recalls the importance of the social economy as a model of sustainable and shared economic development, capable of generating significant societal added value;

8.

Stresses that, in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine’s resilience and sovereignty constitute a cornerstone of Europe’s collective security and democratic stability; underlines that the Ukraine Facility, together with the Global Gateway and NDICI – Global Europe, must play a decisive role in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, modernisation, and full integration into the European economic, energy and digital connectivity space; calls for coordinated investments in critical infrastructure, energy security, innovation, cybersecurity, transport interoperability, and border modernisation to ensure that Ukraine’s recovery advances its EU accession readiness, and long-term resilience against coercive and hybrid threats; recalls that under the Ukraine Facility, the European Union has established a comprehensive support framework amounting to EUR 50 billion for 2024–2027, including EUR 38,27 billion in macro-financial assistance (EUR 33 billion in loans and EUR 5,27 billion in grants) and additional guarantees to mobilise investments through the European Investment Bank (EIB) and other implementing partners; acknowledges that absorption and implementation capacity remain constrained by wartime conditions, administrative overload and regulatory complexity, and therefore calls on the European Commission, the EIB, and the Government of Ukraine to reinforce coordination mechanisms and strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure efficient use of EU resources and full accountability in line with European standards; calls for the European Union to ensure that Ukraine’s reconstruction aligns with the EU acquis and single market standards, supporting its path towards membership and long-term economic integration;

9.

Reaffirms Moldova’s clear European choice and constitutional commitment to EU membership, and underlines the EU’s support for its full integration through sustained progress on institutional reforms, economic convergence, and infrastructure alignment with EU standards; calls for intensified cooperation under the Global Gateway, the NDICI – Global Europe, and the CEF to accelerate energy market integration, transport interoperability, digital connectivity, and administrative capacity-building; encourages the European Union to continue gradually integrating Moldova into the single market and the TEN-T and TEN-E, ensuring that Moldova’s EU accession process is merit-based and irreversible; underlines the importance of continuing the EU’s enlargement process as a strategic investment in Europe’s security and prosperity;

10.

Reaffirms that Georgia’s path towards EU membership depends on continued progress in democratic consolidation, judicial reform, and alignment with the EU acquis ; notes the development of the East-West highway as part of the extended TEN-T network and the preparatory work for the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable in accordance with the standards of the TEN-E; supports the continued use of EU financial instruments such as NDICI – Global Europe and the CEF to promote projects that strengthen transport interoperability, foster energy connectivity, expand digital infrastructure and enhance digital governance; underlines that these initiatives strengthen Georgia’s role as a sustainable and reliable transit and investment hub between Europe and Asia, contributing to regional stability, prosperity and deeper integration into the European economic, energy and digital connectivity space;

11.

Stresses the strategic relevance of the East-West highway as a vital corridor within the extended TEN-T that plays a critical role in linking Central Asia, the Black Sea and the EU transport system, facilitating trade, investment and the secure movement of goods and people; encourages the European Commission, the EIB, and partner governments to accelerate financing and technical cooperation under the Global Gateway, NDICI – Global Europe, and the CEF to ensure full interoperability with TEN-T standards and improve border-crossing procedures;

12.

Underlines the importance of the ongoing Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable project, developed under the Global Gateway and aligned with TEN-E standards; recalls the project’s dual role as both an energy and digital corridor through the inclusion of a parallel fibre-optic cable, reinforcing regional interconnectivity and resilience; calls on the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the EIB and partner governments to address the current challenges by increasing technical assistance and capacity-building for project management and procurement authorities, as well as by accelerating the designation of the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable as a project of mutual interest under the TEN-T and TEN-E to secure additional EU funding;

13.

Stresses that the successful completion of the East-West highway and the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable will significantly advance the economic, transport and energy integration of the Eastern Partnership region into the EU’s single market, contributing to sustainable growth, regional stability and the European Union’s long-term strategic resilience;

14.

Acknowledges Azerbaijan’s strategic importance as a regional hub for energy and connectivity between Europe and Asia, and underlines that cooperation with the EU should promote shared priorities of energy security and diversification; supports the continued modernisation of the Southern Gas Corridor in accordance with sustainability principles, alongside the development of renewable energy infrastructure; encourages joint efforts to expand the Black Sea green energy corridor and the Trans-Caspian digital and transport connections, which foster secure power transmission, data resilience and regional trade facilitation; stresses that all cooperation under the Global Gateway should be based on transparency, efficiency and good governance, contributing to regional peace and stability;

15.

Recognises Armenia’s strategic role at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and commends its efforts to promote peace and regional connectivity through its Crossroads of Peace initiative, including through aligning goals with the Global Gateway strategic initiative and investment framework; emphasises that cooperation with the EU should prioritise alignment with EU standards, including green and digital ones, and strengthen Armenia’s democracy and economic diversification, resilience and competitiveness; supports Armenia’s reform efforts and European orientation, recognising its consistent commitment to democracy and partnership with the EU , and its inclusion in regional projects such as the Black Sea Connectivity Submarine Electricity Cable; encourages the European Commission and Armenia to consider participation in initiatives related to the TEN-T and TEN-E, including through the CEF, thereby facilitating regionally inclusive trade and connectivity cooperation;

16.

Welcomes the initialling of the agreement on the establishment of peace and interstate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the renewed determination to open all regional communications, grounded on the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and jurisdiction; encourages both countries to further pursue border demarcation; underlines that the EU stands ready to help unlock the full economic and connectivity potential of the South Caucasus through cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and infrastructure, including cross-border infrastructure, thereby bringing stability, sustainable development and shared prosperity to the South Caucasus region;

17.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commissioner for Enlargement, the European External Action Service, and the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States and the Eastern Partnership countries.

( 1 )   Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 ( OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj ).

( 2 )   Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 ( OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj ).

( 3 )   Regulation (EU) 2021/1059 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments ( OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 94 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1059/oj ).

( 4 )   Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, amending and repealing Decision No 466/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) 2017/1601 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009 ( OJ L 209, 14.6.2021, p. 1 , http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/947/oj ).

( 5 )   Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy ( OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj ).

( 6 )   Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 ( OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/695/oj ).

( 7 )    OJ L 261, 30.8.2014, p. 4 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2014/494/oj .

( 8 )   Comprehensive and enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part ( OJ L 23, 26.1.2018, p. 4 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2018/104/oj ).

( 9 )   Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part - Protocol on mutual assistance between authorities in customs matters - Final Act - Joint Declarations - Exchange of Letters in relation to the establishment of companies - Declaration of the French Government ( OJ L 246, 17.9.1999, p. 3 , ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/1999/614/oj ).

( 10 )    OJ C 493, 27.12.2022, p. 70 .

( 11 )    OJ C, C/2024/4163, 2.8.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4163/oj .

( 12 )    OJ L, 2024/792, 29.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/792/oj .

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1110/oj

ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)