The European Commission has said that Association Agreements that were proposed to the Eastern Partnership countries are beneficial not only these countries and the EU, but also to neighboring countries.

Peter Stano, spokesperson for EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule, said this at a briefing in Brussels on Tuesday, while commenting on recent statements made by the Russian side regarding the functioning in Moldova of two economies (the issue concerns Transdniestria) and the application of a deep and comprehensive free trade area as part of the Association Agreement, which can bring problems.

"These agreements are the EU's proposal to respective countries and their citizens regarding mutual benefits for both EU citizens and the citizens of these countries. And the neighbors of our neighbors will also get benefits," he said.

Stano also recalled the European Commission's rule, according to which "we do not comment on various statements and their interpretation" by people "who have no relation to these agreements."