​At the Plenary session on 13 July the debate on Estonian Presidency took place with Mr Matti Maasikas, Estonian Deputy Minister of European Affairs. On behalf of the EA Group Mr Dariusz Wróbel, EA coordinator for CIVEX commission discussing the priorities of the Estonian Presidency, focused on the Eastern Partnership and emphasised the importance of supporting the reforms of the Eastern partners to bring them closer to the EU but respecting their habits. Eastern Partnership Summit taking place during the Estonian Presidency to achieve ambitious and motivating results at the Eastern Partnership Summit it is important to take into consideration the CORLEAP recommendations, as the CoR as the institution works closely with LRAs from this countries. It is necessary that the EU support the Eastern partners’ enthusiasm to continue reforming their countries and societies.

The effectiveness of the EU's involvement with the Eastern Partnership countries requires the highest degree of participation of local communities, which are becoming increasingly active. It should be considered that local and regional authorities are well placed to support the development of a strong civil society and to help ensure the democratisation and modernisation of local communities. It is also essential to make more resources available for cross-border cooperation, with special focus on people-to-people contacts, partnerships between local authorities, and scientific, cultural and youth exchanges" said Mr Dariusz Wróbel, Burmistrz Opola Lubelskiego,. "The extension of the Small Project Fund to neighbourhood countries could boost cooperation at grass-root level" he added.