Text tabled : A7-0183/2012

  Jiří Maštálka (GUE/NGL), in writing. – (CS) I would like to welcome the fact that this report has directed the European Parliament’s attention in relation to the Eastern partnership programme towards the practical side of our mutual relations in the area of the economy and trade. Even though the original version opened up and exacerbated the difference in ideological approaches less, the final version of the report is a good step towards improving our relations. Unfortunately, it completely failed to avoid formulations that amount to double standards when it comes to assessing Eastern partnership countries. It is important that the WTO accession talks are emphasised. In my opinion, however, it is more important to be able to make use of the benefits arising from cooperation with Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, which have created a functional customs union. Turning our backs on this partnership would mean significant losses for the EU in the future.