The European Union has committed 600 million euros over the period 2010-2013 to support economic and social reforms in eastern Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus (depending on the implementation of the democratic process), Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The proposal outlined by the European Commission includes a "new Eastern Partnership" made all the more necessary by the outbreak of the conflict in Caucasus last summer." President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Europen Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner are both explaining the initiative. The proposal foresees a "substantial upgrading of the level of political engagement, including the prospect of a new generation of Association Agreements," a "far-reaching integration into the EU economy," "easier travel to the EU for citizens from partner countries." The Partnership also includes "energy security arrangements benefiting all concerned," and "five flagship initiatives": integrated border management; SME facilities; energy agreements; development of the Southern energy corridor; co-operation on response to natural disaster.
