Emphasising that enlargement of the European Union must not lead to the emergence of new dividing lines in the new Europe,

Emphasising that enlargement of the European Union must not lead to the emergence of new dividing lines in the new Europe, S T A T E M E N T ON COOPERATION OF THE BALTIC STATES AND NEW EUROPEAN UNION NEIGHBOUR STATES BY SHARING EXPERIENCE IN IMPROVING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY The Baltic Assembly, emphasising that one of the priorities of the foreign policies of the Baltic States as well as of the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers is to support the European Neighbourhood Policy; being confident that enlargement of the European Union must not lead to the emergence of new dividing lines in the new Europe; stressing how vital it is for the growth, security and welfare of Europe that its neighbouring countries also enjoy stable development based on the principles of democracy, decides to undertake political initiatives and provide political support in order to facilitate the practical implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in Eastern European countries in political and economic fields such as good governance, legislative process, business development, environmental protection, infrastructure, health and social care as well as to strengthen the protection of citizens against the threat of organised crime and corruption. Vilnius, 17 December 2006