The UK appreciates the potential of the EU's neighbours, as well as Poland's commitment to those countries Poland has demonstrated its commitment (e.g. through support of Ukraine's 'Orange' revolution) to solve internal conflicts through peaceful dialogue and determination to develop democracy, civil rights and freedom of expression. Poland's transition experience is very valuable in working with countries going through political and economic transformation.

The UK supports the European Union's political dialogue with Eastern neighbours under the so called European Neighbourhood Policy. The Eastern Partnership is an initiative within the European Union designed to complement the Northern Dimension and the Union for the Mediterranean.

It was presented by the foreign minister of Poland with assistance from Sweden at the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council in May 2008. The Eastern Partnership will provide an institutionalised forum for discussing visa agreements, free trade deals and strategic partnership agreements with the EU's eastern neighbours. The six countries included in the Partnership are  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine. Russia has also been invited to play a role in the discussions.

The British government endorses the Polish proposal. This reflected in a joint initiative by the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to run a competition among Polish NGOs for the best project bids addressed to the EU`s eastern neighbours. Three projects which  focused on Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova were awarded the FCO`s sponsored grants.

All three projects have been now successfully completed - highlights below.

The East European Democratic Centre carried out a project aimed at activating independent youth groups in Minsk and facilitating long-term co-operation between participants. A professional moderator assisted youth groups in focusing on join aim. The training provided essential strategic planning skills and knowledge about communication processes inside a group.

The Malopolski Institute of Local Government and Administration (MISTiA) in Krakow  focused on preparing young personnel working for NGOs in various parts of Moldova for effective promotion of European ideas in their local communities and peer groups. The participants also had the opportunity to prepare their applications for aid funds under the guidance of experienced trainers. This should empower young people to implement projects that tackle issues of their immediate concern.

The Malopolski Association of Local Councils shared its experience with a Ukrainian partner (the Institute of Animal Production at the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences) on setting up a European Information and Promotion Centre. The project included designing an Internet web-site with practical information about the European Union and a section dedicated to  Polish-Ukrainian co-operation.