EU leaders reach out to ex-Soviet neighbors

European Union leaders on Friday are expected to promise a hefty program of aid, trade and closer political ties for six ex-Soviet states where Moscow retains a strong influence nearly two decades after they won their independence.

The EU’s “Eastern Partnership” falls short of membership for Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and Belarus but offers significant economic integration and visa-free travel. Moscow views such attempts at closer integration with suspicion.

The program is to help increase the number of routes bringing oil and gas to the EU from areas around the Black Sea that are not under Russian control.
AP