Mongolian-European intergovernmental meeting
During the meeting, detailed information was given about the current social and economic environment of Mongolia to members of the group of European People"s Party Relations with Mongolia and Central Asia and views on democracy, human rights, social and environmental issues were exchanged.
Members of the European Parliament appreciated Mongolian democratic efforts in the region. Both sides agreed on the significance of signing a memorandum on cooperation and partnership between Mongolia and the EU in the near future.
Representatives emphasized the planned visits by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, in March and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, Katherine Ashton, in April as significant to strengthening bilateral relations.
The European Parliament is considering granting EU market economy status to Mongolia. It will also consider supporting Mongolia in the process of joining an import preference scheme - known as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) - for developing countries most in need that will take effect from 1st January 2014. Support will be provided to countries that are serious about implementing international human rights, labour rights and environmental and good governance conventions.
At the second part of the meeting the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Georgios Papastamkos, called on the representatives of the Mongolian Parliament. He expressed his opinion that Mongolia should focus on withdrawing from a nonmarket economy (NME) country status and solve the issues surrounding this.
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