EU Neighbourhood Policy

The European Union has developed an intensive policy of strengthening its relationship with neighbouring countries. These involved are sixteen countries, six to the east and ten to the south, the eastern and southern borders of the EU.  The six countries to the east are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.  Russia remains a specific case in terms of its relationship with the EU, given its size and vast population, and must be addressed with a different instrument. Towards the south the border countries are: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, the occupied territories of Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Libya and Lebanon.

A close relationship with neighbouring countries benefits all involved. Certainly the EU is interested in a more secure and stable developed border area and the East and South countries would benefit from the EU values and market opportunities.

The first instruments to shape this neighbourhood policy began in the 1990s. The different instruments used included the Technical Assistance (TAIEX). After 2004, a proper neighbourhood policy was developed with the South, and an Eastern neighbourhood policy, agreed in Prague in 2009, was established with the East. 

This policy has several points of concern:

-       Development of transport infrastructures

-       Trade

-       Energy Security

-       Sustainable development

-       Employment and jobs

-       Small and medium size enterprises and industries

-       Education and research

The new approach to this European Neighbourhod Policy is one of mutual accountability of the EU and the neighbours partners. The EU focuses its interest on achieving a shared commitment to human rights values, democracy and rule of law within its neighbour countries.

The new approach means that EU assistance would increase and be better targeted.  Greater support will be given to those partners engaged in building deep democracy, such as freedom of speech, thought, belief; respect of political parties; impartial justice; accountable security (police and army); and non-corrupt and competent civil service. The EU does not seek to impose a model or a ready-made recipe for political reform.  On the other hand, the EU is conscious that there are different steps and evolutions in the different countries regarding democratic processes and transitional phases, so the solutions and support will have to be tailored to the needs of each specific country.  The principle of “more for more” that means “more progress towards reform in exchange for a stronger relationship with the EU” will be implemented. 

The Neighbourhood Policy is structured in its new shape through country Association Agreements and Deep Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (DCFTA). Some of the above mentioned countries have already started dialogues and debates to sign such agreements in the near future, others are following a dialogue to be able to adopt them and yet others are far from reaching these agreements due to their internal situation.

One instrument used in the Eastern Partnership Agreement is the Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) which is now demanded by the Southern countries as well. The EU is and will support any progress made towards deep democracy within its neighbourbing countries. Levels of EU support must also adapt to partners according to progress on political reforms and the building of deep democracy.  A partnership with societies within these countries is also foreseen.

The partnership with civil societies involves: assistance to political parties, non-registered NGOs, trade unions, media and reinforced human rights dialogue. Human rights dialogues must underscore the importance of the rights of women and minorities and greater social justice. There is a serious concern for reinforcing the advocacy capacity of civil society.

On the other hand, it is important to intensify political and security cooperation; enhance EU involvement in solving protracted conflicts; make united use of EU Common Foreign Security Policy and promote joint action with ENP partners in international forums. 

The mobility clause is also a key element for ENP, meaning the facilitation and liberalization of visas in several of these countries, some of which has already been implemented in Eastern countries such as Georgia and Moldova.

Two main challenges to take into account are the funding of such programmes and the need of a simplified and coherent policy and programmes framework. There is a need for clearer priorities through stronger political steering, fewer priorities backed with more precise benchmarks, funding and follow ups.

The European Neighbourhood Policy offers great opportunities for mutual beneficial integration and cooperation. Cooperation is the only means to taking on the challenges and threats that do not respect borders such as terrorism, irregular migration and pollution of seas and rivers. Cooperation will tackle sources of instability and conflict in the region.