22. Stresses the value of EU election observation missions (EOM) as an important step in any process of democratisation and good governance, and believes that such missions should be part of a broader framework of support for a long-term democratisation process; urges the VP/HR to strengthen follow-up procedures and missions to verify whether EOM recommendations are implemented and emphasises, in this respect, that it is crucial to ensure adequate follow-up of the implementation of such recommendations; highlights the importance of mediation and conflict-prevention and resolution strategies, and of institution- and capacity-bui ...[+++]lding for regional organisations, such as the African Union (AU), which plays an important role in peace-keeping and peace-building operations; believes that support for the AU should include the development of its border-control capacity and the provision of relief for all migrants in situations of distress; considers that the effective strengthening of regional organisations, such as the AU, the Union for the Mediterranean or the Eastern Partnership, as multipliers of regional peace and stability will foster regional integration and the emergence of cross-border economic areas;

22. Stresses the value of EU election observation missions (EOM) as an important step in any process of democratisation and good governance, and believes that such missions should be part of a broader framework of support for a long-term democratisation process; urges the VP/HR to strengthen follow-up procedures and missions to verify whether EOM recommendations are implemented and emphasises, in this respect, that it is crucial to ensure adequate follow-up of the implementation of such recommendations; highlights the importance of mediation and conflict-prevention and resolution strategies, and of institution- and capacity-bui ...[+++]lding for regional organisations, such as the African Union (AU), which plays an important role in peace-keeping and peace-building operations; believes that support for the AU should include the development of its border-control capacity and the provision of relief for all migrants in situations of distress; considers that the effective strengthening of regional organisations, such as the AU, the Union for the Mediterranean or the Eastern Partnership, as multipliers of regional peace and stability will foster regional integration and the emergence of cross-border economic areas;

8. Whenever Community funding covers an operation co-financed with a third country, subject to reciprocity, or with a regional organisation, or with a Member State, participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural persons and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to this Article as well as to all natural persons and legal persons who are eligible under the rules of such third country, regional ...[+++]organisation or Member State.

Whenever Community funding covers an operation co-financed with a Member State, with a third country, subject to reciprocity as defined in paragraph 3, or with a regional organisation, participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural or legal persons who are eligible pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 as well as to all natural or legal persons who are eligible under the rules of such Member State, ...[+++] third country or regional organisation.

Leaders welcomed the increasingly close co-operation in the area of foreign and security policy, in particular as regards issues of regional stability and crisis management. They noted with satisfaction the alignment of Ukraine with EU positions on regional and international issues, as well as the signature of two agreements this year – on co-operation in EU-led Crisis Management Operations and on procedures for the Exchange of Classified Information.

A successful fiscal consolidation will be strongly enhanced by cooperation with the regional and local authorities and by the implementation of more efficient administrative budget procedures.