1. The European Neighbourhood Policy
March 2005
Alexis Loeber

2. Enlargement is changing the European neighbourhood
EU’s 5th Enlargement (2004 / 2007) is changing political geography of Europe
EU 25 now has 450 Mio citizens
EU gains new borders
New opportunities – new challenges
Need for greater engagement with neighbours East & South

3. European Neighbourhood Policy
Principles:
ENP is not about enlargement
ENP opens doors; it does not close any
ENP does not replace contractual framework; it builds on the existing PCA

4. What is ENP?
A specific policy for the new neighbours of the enlarged EU
ENP addresses neighbours in the East, the Mediterranean, and the Southern Caucasus
… but not countries with an accession perspective (Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Croatia… )

5. The EU and its partners

6. ENP partner countries Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus
[Russian Federation: Strategic Partnership through the creation of four common spaces]
Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco

7. European Neighbourhood Policy
Vision:
Ring of friends, sharing the EU's fundamental values and objectives, drawn into an increasingly close relationship, going beyond co-operation to involve a significant measure of economic and political integration

8. European Neighbourhood Policy
Mutual commitment to common values:
Rule of law
Good governance
Respect for human rights
The promotion of good neighbourly relations
Principles of market economy
Sustainable development

9. European Neighbourhood Policy
Method:
Reinvigorate existing relations
Selectively use experience from the enlargement process
Gradual alignment with acquis

10. European Neighbourhood Policy
In June 2004, Armenia (with Azerbaijan and Georgia) included in the ENP
Commission was invited to report on progress made. Result:
Country Report, presenting:
Progress under the existing Partnership and Co-operation Agreement
Development democracy, the rule of law, human rights
Regional stability and co-operation in justice and home affairs
Economic and social reforms
Further liberalisation of trade
Gradual participation in the Internal Market

11. European Neighbourhood Policy
Based on Country Report for Armenia:
European Commission recommends intensification of relations
Development of an Action Plan
ENP goes beyond Partnership and Co operation Agreement
Significant degree of economic integration
Deepening of political cooperation
It is now for the Council of Ministers to decide

12. European Neighbourhood Policy
Action Plans:
Key operational instrument
Country-specific, tailor-made political documents
Jointly defined priorities for political and economic reforms
Short & medium term priorities
Guidance for assistance programming

13. European Neighbourhood Policy
Armenia: Commission recommends Action Plan which should include:
Strengthening the rule of law, of democratic structures and pluralism
Strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
Improvements in the business climate as well as public sector modernisation
Further efforts to tackle corruption and fraud
Reform of tax and customs administrations and legislation
Progress in poverty reduction
Progress on sustainable development and environmental protection
The decommissioning of the Medzamor Nuclear Power Plant
Progress towards conflict resolution and enhanced regional cooperation.
It is for the Council of Ministers to decide
Key slide

14. Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
Objectives:
progressive economic integration and deeper political cooperation
address opportunities and challenges of EU / neighbour proximity

15. Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
: TACIS €3,1bn
:   European Neighbourhood & Partnership Instrument (ENPI) - policy-driven instrument covering (all) assistance to partners with simplified approach for cross-border co-operation, €14,93bn

16. European Neighbourhood Policy
Conclusions:
ENP is ambitious offer for new political framework for relations with neighbours
ENP is of mutual, long-term interest
ENP is an EU priority
EU offers considerable financial and technical assistance

17. ENP – More information
Dedicated web site on Europa server under “Commission –International Affairs”: