Commission's Vice-President Siim Kallas met transport ministers of the EU Member States and of the six Eastern Partnership countries on 24 and 25 October 2011 in Krakow in order to move forward with transport cooperation between the EU and those partner countries. Transport ministers summarised key challenges and opportunities for closer transport cooperation in a Joint Declaration.

Siim Kallas, Commission's Vice-President met transport ministers of the EU Member States and of the six Eastern Partnership countries on 24 and 25 October 2011 in Krakow, to move forward with transport cooperation between the EU and those partner countries, following adoption on 7 of July of the Commission's communication on renewed approach to transport cooperation. Countries covered by the Eastern Partnership are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Among the meeting's conclusions, the transport ministers agreed to follow up actions set out in the Commission communication for closer transport market integration and improved infrastructure connections. They also agreed to carry on a plan for a regional transport network for the Eastern Partnership region that connects with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and between the countries themselves. Ministers agreed to take into account the transport infrastructure projects of mutual interest, and cooperate with international financial institutions that can contribute to improved transport connections through financing.

For the time being, several steps have already been taken to strengthen transport links with this region. The Eastern Partnership Transport Panel met for the first time in Brussels on 14 October to discuss issues concerning transport cooperation, including progress made in negotiations on a comprehensive aviation agreement with Moldova and a mandate from the Council to negotiate a comprehensive aviation agreement with Azerbaijan.