On 18 May, the European Commission published a report reviewing the implementation of European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The report detailed results following a new approach based on differentiation, joint ownership and flexibility.
“One year and a half after the review of the European Neighborhood Policy, we have managed to build – in cooperation and full partnership – a tailor made approach with each and every country, to ensure it addresses the real needs and interests, for the sake of all our citizens,” said Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
“We consulted widely before updating the Neighbourhood Policy – and this report shows how we are really putting into action the results of that consultation: a stronger focus on mutual interests, greater differentiation to reflect the diversity of our partners, a greater sense of shared ownership of the policy and more flexibility in how it is implemented,” added Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.
According to the report, within the new political framework, the EU is acting with more flexibility and sensitivity towards its partners, deploying its resources with more impact as regards the implementation of the key priorities.
The report shows that the reviewed ENP has mobilised significant support to reforms in four priority areas: good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights; economic development for stabilisation; security; and migration and mobility.
Since the review, the EU has invested in structural reforms to improve competitiveness and the business environment, to boost trade, to support SMEs and to tailor education and skills to the needs of the real economy.
The ENP review significantly increased the policy’s focus on security issues. The EU has developed Security Sector Reform programmes both in the East and South, and taken forward important work on counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism.