Schwarzenberg: Belarus is last “real” dictatorship in Europe (Video)

Former foreign minister of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg evaluated the results of the five-year work of the EU's Eastern Partnership project.

The project was launched five years ago at a summit in Prague. Shcwarzenberg was among organisers of the initiative.

Former foreign minister of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg explained to RFE/RL why the results of work of the Eastern Partnership programme were almost not visible:

“Look, there's a difference between the countries with a direct dictatorship, like in Belarus. This is the last 'real' and 'true' dictatorship in Europe with absence of progress. While Moldova works honestly to reach the European level.

We also must consider great influence from the Russian Federation that doesn't want these countries to join the European Union luring them into the Customs Union founded together with Belarus and Kazakhstan. It think it will be an economic and political mistake if the Eastern Partnership countries join the Customs Union.

Of course, the Russian market is huge with plenty of opportunities, which our companies also use. But speaking about progress, up-to-date technologies, modern management, progressive methods of work, these things should be learnt only in the West, not in the East. If we look at the difference of the economic development of Russia and Europe, we have to admit that the EU member states are successful.”