The EU’sThe EU’sEuropean Neighborhood PolicyEuropean Neighborhood Policy

A Guide for Faculty & StudentsA Guide for Faculty & Students

byby

John D. Occhipinti, Ph.D.John D. Occhipinti, Ph.D.

Canisius CollegeCanisius College

January 2005January 2005

ContentsContents

The EU as a Global PlayerThe EU as a Global PlayerThe EU’s Near AbroadThe EU’s Near AbroadHistory of the ENPHistory of the ENPRecent History of the ENPRecent History of the ENPPolicy Areas of the ENPPolicy Areas of the ENPMain Components of the ENPMain Components of the ENPWho Does What in the ENP?Who Does What in the ENP?Questions for the FutureQuestions for the Future

The EU as a “Global Player”The EU as a “Global Player”European integration has European integration has involved a wide variety of involved a wide variety of internal internal changes in and among the changes in and among the member states of the European member states of the European Union, leading to the EU that we Union, leading to the EU that we know todayknow todayIn addition, the EU has had a In addition, the EU has had a long-standing goal to become an long-standing goal to become an influential actor or “player,” on influential actor or “player,” on the world stage:the world stage:– Goal to speak with one voice Goal to speak with one voice

to the rest of the worldto the rest of the world– Goal to act as a unified actor Goal to act as a unified actor

on the world stageon the world stageThe The European Neighborhood European Neighborhood Policy (ENP)Policy (ENP) is an example of is an example of the EU attempting to be an the EU attempting to be an influential actor on the world influential actor on the world stagestage

Examples of the EU as a Global Player I Examples of the EU as a Global Player I Over the years, the EC/EU has tried to become an effective global Over the years, the EC/EU has tried to become an effective global player in a number of ways, namely through its:player in a number of ways, namely through its:– Common commercial policy (trade)Common commercial policy (trade)– Common development policy (aid)Common development policy (aid)– Common foreign and security policy (CFSP)Common foreign and security policy (CFSP)

Because of the EC’s Customs Union, achieved in 1968, the Member Because of the EC’s Customs Union, achieved in 1968, the Member States have needed a unified negotiating position on global trade issuesStates have needed a unified negotiating position on global trade issues– This led to the EC’s This led to the EC’s common commercial policycommon commercial policy

The EC’s common commercial policy also impacted traditional bilateral The EC’s common commercial policy also impacted traditional bilateral trade relationships with the former colonies of some Member Statestrade relationships with the former colonies of some Member States– This led to a This led to a common policy to assistcommon policy to assist developing countriesdeveloping countries

By the 1970s, there were increasing calls for the EC to develop a By the 1970s, there were increasing calls for the EC to develop a common foreign policy for global conflicts, crises, etc.common foreign policy for global conflicts, crises, etc.– This would culminate in the EU’s This would culminate in the EU’s “2nd pillar” on CFSP, “2nd pillar” on CFSP, created increated in

1993 when the “European Union” was born1993 when the “European Union” was born

Examples of the EU as a Global Player IIExamples of the EU as a Global Player IIAs part of its effort to become a global player, EU As part of its effort to become a global player, EU has also developed close relations with non-EU has also developed close relations with non-EU members near its bordersmembers near its bordersFrom this group of states, the EU has, over the From this group of states, the EU has, over the years, attracted several new membersyears, attracted several new members– Including several countries that had only recently begun Including several countries that had only recently begun

transitions to democracy & market-based economies transitions to democracy & market-based economies – This process eventually led to a This process eventually led to a common EU policy on common EU policy on

enlargement,enlargement, which promotes internal reforms in aspiring which promotes internal reforms in aspiring EU members based on principles that are commonly held EU members based on principles that are commonly held by all current EU membersby all current EU members

Thus, the promise of EU membership provided an Thus, the promise of EU membership provided an incentive for these aspiring members to make a incentive for these aspiring members to make a variety of internal reforms before joining the EUvariety of internal reforms before joining the EU– Based on the so-called “Copenhagen Criteria” of 1993Based on the so-called “Copenhagen Criteria” of 1993

The EU as a Global PlayerThe EU as a Global Playerand the ENPand the ENP

By the mid-1990s, the EU also realized a need to promote By the mid-1990s, the EU also realized a need to promote internal reforms in internal reforms in otherother states located in its states located in its “near abroad” “near abroad” and improve its relations with theseand improve its relations with these– But But without without promising those countries future EU membership promising those countries future EU membership

(though this is not entirely ruled out)(though this is not entirely ruled out)– This led to strengthened partnerships with states in regions to the This led to strengthened partnerships with states in regions to the

East and South of the EUEast and South of the EU

By 2002-2003, these developments contributed the EU’s By 2002-2003, these developments contributed the EU’s “European Neighborhood Policy” (ENP)“European Neighborhood Policy” (ENP)– Promotes cooperation between the EU and the ENP partner states Promotes cooperation between the EU and the ENP partner states

on a wide range of policieson a wide range of policies– Intended to create a zone of peace, prosperity, and stability on or Intended to create a zone of peace, prosperity, and stability on or

near the borders of the EUnear the borders of the EUSimilar to the way European integration & a series of EU Similar to the way European integration & a series of EU enlargements have helped achieve these goals within the EC/EU enlargements have helped achieve these goals within the EC/EU over the last fifty years or soover the last fifty years or so

The EU’s “Near Abroad”The EU’s “Near Abroad”There are now 16 countries There are now 16 countries designated for inclusion in the designated for inclusion in the ENP (dark green at left)ENP (dark green at left)Countries eyed for possible EU Countries eyed for possible EU membership are membership are not not covered by covered by the ENP & are handled under the the ENP & are handled under the EU’s enlargement policyEU’s enlargement policy– This includes Romania Bulgaria & This includes Romania Bulgaria &

Turkey (light blue) & countries in the Turkey (light blue) & countries in the former Yugoslavia, such as Croatia former Yugoslavia, such as Croatia (lightest blue)(lightest blue)

Russia has a unique relationship Russia has a unique relationship with the EU based on “four with the EU based on “four common spaces” (i.e., policy common spaces” (i.e., policy areas)areas)– It will It will not not be a formal ENP partnerbe a formal ENP partner– However, it will likely be a recipient of However, it will likely be a recipient of

financial assistance under a planned financial assistance under a planned funding program related to the ENP (see funding program related to the ENP (see below)below)

Countries Covered by the ENPCountries Covered by the ENPTen countries in the Southern Ten countries in the Southern Mediterranean RegionMediterranean Region– Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Libya,

Israel, & the Palestinian AuthorityIsrael, & the Palestinian Authority– All but Libya are already engaged in a series of multinational All but Libya are already engaged in a series of multinational

dialogues with the EU, known as the “Barcelona Process”dialogues with the EU, known as the “Barcelona Process”Libya has recently made some progress toward accepting the key Libya has recently made some progress toward accepting the key principles of the Barcelona Process & will be welcomed into the ENP principles of the Barcelona Process & will be welcomed into the ENP once it has adequately done soonce it has adequately done so

Six countries in Eastern Europe and the Southern Six countries in Eastern Europe and the Southern CaucasusCaucasus– Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and GeorgiaBelarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia– Aside from Belarus, these countries are engaged in extensive Aside from Belarus, these countries are engaged in extensive

bilateral relationships with the EUbilateral relationships with the EUThe EU does not consider Belarus to be sufficiently “democratic,” thus it The EU does not consider Belarus to be sufficiently “democratic,” thus it will be welcomed into the ENP only after it undertakes reforms, including will be welcomed into the ENP only after it undertakes reforms, including the holding of free and fair electionsthe holding of free and fair elections

The ENP builds on existing relationships between these The ENP builds on existing relationships between these countries and the EU – countries and the EU – it does not replace themit does not replace them

History of the ENP:History of the ENP:The Mediterranean DimensionThe Mediterranean Dimension

In November 1995, the first In November 1995, the first Euro-Mediterranean ConferenceEuro-Mediterranean Conference of of Ministers of Foreign Affairs was held in Barcelona, SpainMinisters of Foreign Affairs was held in Barcelona, Spain– This marked the starting point of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, This marked the starting point of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership,

also known as the also known as the “Barcelona Process”“Barcelona Process”This entails a wide framework of relations between the EU & its partners This entails a wide framework of relations between the EU & its partners in the regionin the region– Promotes dialogue on foreign policy, security, trade, economic Promotes dialogue on foreign policy, security, trade, economic

development & cultural/social connections among peopledevelopment & cultural/social connections among people

Common goals in these areas are carried out in two ways:Common goals in these areas are carried out in two ways:– ““Euro-MediterraneanEuro-Mediterranean Association Agreements Association Agreements””

Bilateral agreement between the EU and individual statesBilateral agreement between the EU and individual states– Regional projectsRegional projects

Involving two or more partners and the EUInvolving two or more partners and the EU

The MEDA program The MEDA program was created to fund these projectswas created to fund these projects– €€3-4 billion spent in 1995-1999 and €5.3 billion for 2000-20063-4 billion spent in 1995-1999 and €5.3 billion for 2000-2006– In addition to MEDA funds, loans are provided to the “Euro-Med” In addition to MEDA funds, loans are provided to the “Euro-Med”

states by the European Investment Bank (EIB)states by the European Investment Bank (EIB)

History of the ENP:History of the ENP:The Post-Soviet DimensionThe Post-Soviet Dimension

Since 1991, the EU has developed relations with states of Since 1991, the EU has developed relations with states of the former Soviet Union, including those in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, including those in Eastern Europe, the Southern Caucasus, and Central Asiathe Southern Caucasus, and Central AsiaThe EU has established The EU has established “Partnership & Cooperation “Partnership & Cooperation AgreementsAgreements” with many of these countries” with many of these countries– These cover cooperation and projects in areas such as justice & These cover cooperation and projects in areas such as justice &

home affairs, transport, trade, and the environmenthome affairs, transport, trade, and the environment

There are also regional projects for smaller groups of states, There are also regional projects for smaller groups of states, as well as nuclear safety programsas well as nuclear safety programs

The The TACIS program TACIS program was created to fund EU partnerships was created to fund EU partnerships and projects in the post-Soviet states, including Russiaand projects in the post-Soviet states, including Russia– €€4.2 billion spent in 1991-1999 and €3.1 billion for 2000-20064.2 billion spent in 1991-1999 and €3.1 billion for 2000-2006

Recent History of the ENP (part I)Recent History of the ENP (part I)With progress taking place on these two regional fronts and With progress taking place on these two regional fronts and its next enlargement drawing closer, the EU began to its next enlargement drawing closer, the EU began to consider whether it should have a consider whether it should have a comprehensivecomprehensive approach approach for dealing with its “new” neighbors to the East and Southfor dealing with its “new” neighbors to the East and South– Subsequent events would eventually lead directly to the ENPSubsequent events would eventually lead directly to the ENP

In April 2002, the Council of Ministers invited the In April 2002, the Council of Ministers invited the Commissioner for External Relations (Chris Patten) and the Commissioner for External Relations (Chris Patten) and the Council Secretary-General/High Representative (SG/HR) for Council Secretary-General/High Representative (SG/HR) for CFSP (Javier Solana) to devise some initial ideas regarding CFSP (Javier Solana) to devise some initial ideas regarding such a new approachsuch a new approachIn August of 2002, Patten and Solana sent a joint letter to the In August of 2002, Patten and Solana sent a joint letter to the Council, outlining their ideas on how the EU should deal with Council, outlining their ideas on how the EU should deal with its “new” neighbors in a “Wider Europe”its “new” neighbors in a “Wider Europe”– These ideas were later discussed and endorsed by the Council of These ideas were later discussed and endorsed by the Council of

Ministers and the European Council at series of meetings in late 2002 Ministers and the European Council at series of meetings in late 2002 and early 2003and early 2003

Consequently, the Commission was tasked by the Council to Consequently, the Commission was tasked by the Council to devise concrete proposals on this issuedevise concrete proposals on this issue

Recent History of the ENP (part II)Recent History of the ENP (part II)In March of 2003, the Commission sent a “communication” In March of 2003, the Commission sent a “communication” to the Council of Ministers entitled, to the Council of Ministers entitled, “Wider Europe - “Wider Europe - Neighborhood: A New Framework for Relations With Neighborhood: A New Framework for Relations With our Eastern and Southern Neighbors”our Eastern and Southern Neighbors”This spelled out the Commission’s rationale, vision, and This spelled out the Commission’s rationale, vision, and general approach for establishing a comprehensive general approach for establishing a comprehensive framework for dealing the EU’s near abroad:framework for dealing the EU’s near abroad:– To promote a zone of peace & stability at or near the “new” borders To promote a zone of peace & stability at or near the “new” borders

of the EU after the planned EU enlargements of 2004 & 2007of the EU after the planned EU enlargements of 2004 & 2007– To avoid creating new dividing lines in the European & To avoid creating new dividing lines in the European &

Mediterranean regions after those enlargements of the EUMediterranean regions after those enlargements of the EU– To enhance existing bilateral relationships and regional projectsTo enhance existing bilateral relationships and regional projects– To establish a differentiated approach for dealing with the county-To establish a differentiated approach for dealing with the county-

specific and regional challenges across a wide range of policy areasspecific and regional challenges across a wide range of policy areas

In June of 2003, this plan was endorsed by the General In June of 2003, this plan was endorsed by the General Affairs & External Relations Council (GAER) & then by the Affairs & External Relations Council (GAER) & then by the subsequent Thessaloniki European Councilsubsequent Thessaloniki European Council

Policy Areas of the ENP (part I)Policy Areas of the ENP (part I)Based on the Commission’s vision, as well as priorities Based on the Commission’s vision, as well as priorities expressed by the Council of Ministers, the ENP now covers expressed by the Council of Ministers, the ENP now covers goals in goals in a wide variety of policy areas, a wide variety of policy areas, including:including:– Promoting reforms in the ENP partners, which has Promoting reforms in the ENP partners, which has

indirect indirect benefits for the EUbenefits for the EU– Improving mutual relations and promoting cooperation on Improving mutual relations and promoting cooperation on

common problems, which often common problems, which often directlydirectly benefits the EU benefits the EUThe ENP entails:The ENP entails:More Effective Political Dialogue on several matters, More Effective Political Dialogue on several matters, including reforms in the ENP partners & regional issuesincluding reforms in the ENP partners & regional issues– Respect for human rights & fundamental freedomsRespect for human rights & fundamental freedoms– Promotion of the rule of law & democracyPromotion of the rule of law & democracy– Regional conflict resolutionRegional conflict resolution– Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destructionNon-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction– Fight against terrorismFight against terrorism

Economic and Social Development for the ENP partnersEconomic and Social Development for the ENP partners– Increased foreign investment & economic growth in the ENP partnersIncreased foreign investment & economic growth in the ENP partners– Improved employment & reduced povertyImproved employment & reduced poverty

Policy Areas of the ENP (part II)Policy Areas of the ENP (part II)The ENP also covers cooperation on:The ENP also covers cooperation on:TradeTrade– Market and regulatory reform in the ENP statesMarket and regulatory reform in the ENP states– Elimination of trade barriers & greater access for the ENP Elimination of trade barriers & greater access for the ENP

partners to the EU’s internal marketpartners to the EU’s internal market– Increasing two-way tradeIncreasing two-way trade

Justice & Home AffairsJustice & Home Affairs– Border Management Issues (i.e., immigration, asylum, etc)Border Management Issues (i.e., immigration, asylum, etc)– Fight against transnational organized crime, including terrorismFight against transnational organized crime, including terrorism

EnergyEnergy– Better connecting suppliers and markets among EU member Better connecting suppliers and markets among EU member

states and their ENP partnersstates and their ENP partners

TransportationTransportation– Better linking the ENP partners to the EU to promote trade and Better linking the ENP partners to the EU to promote trade and

tourismtourism

Policy Areas of the ENP (part III)Policy Areas of the ENP (part III)The ENP also covers cooperation on:The ENP also covers cooperation on:

Environmental IssuesEnvironmental Issues– Promoting good environmental governance in the ENP partnersPromoting good environmental governance in the ENP partners– Devising international & regional solutions to pollution problemsDevising international & regional solutions to pollution problems– Protecting natural resources & public health, including clean air & Protecting natural resources & public health, including clean air &

drinking waterdrinking water

Information societyInformation society– Promoting new technologies in the ENP partners for use by Promoting new technologies in the ENP partners for use by

businesses, governments, and citizensbusinesses, governments, and citizens

Research and InnovationResearch and Innovation– Promoting the integration of scientific communities & sharing among Promoting the integration of scientific communities & sharing among

thesethese

People-to-people contactsPeople-to-people contacts– Promoting cultural exchanges & Increased contacts between public Promoting cultural exchanges & Increased contacts between public

bodies, businesses, educational institutions, and other parts of civil bodies, businesses, educational institutions, and other parts of civil societysociety

How does the ENP Work?How does the ENP Work?

Regarding the Policy Areas noted above, the Regarding the Policy Areas noted above, the ENP entails coherent sets of goals enshrined in:ENP entails coherent sets of goals enshrined in:– Bilateral relationships negotiated between the EU and Bilateral relationships negotiated between the EU and

each ENP partnereach ENP partner– Multinational projects composed of regional groups of Multinational projects composed of regional groups of

some EU members and ENP partnerssome EU members and ENP partners

The Two Main Functional Components of the The Two Main Functional Components of the ENP are:ENP are:– Country-Specific Action PlansCountry-Specific Action Plans– A A ComprehensiveComprehensive Financial Instrument to provide EU Financial Instrument to provide EU

assistance to the ENP partners and fund regional projectsassistance to the ENP partners and fund regional projects

Bilateral Action PlansBilateral Action PlansIntended to Intended to compliment but not replace compliment but not replace existing Association existing Association agreements or Partnership and Cooperation agreementsagreements or Partnership and Cooperation agreementsThese outline specific goals, strategies, joint initiatives & These outline specific goals, strategies, joint initiatives & actions to be taken by the EU and each partner in several actions to be taken by the EU and each partner in several policy areas (noted above)policy areas (noted above)– Most cover a time-frame of three years (2005-2007), during which Most cover a time-frame of three years (2005-2007), during which

the Commission will make at least progress reports to the Councilthe Commission will make at least progress reports to the Council

Negotiated and approved by each ENP partner and the Negotiated and approved by each ENP partner and the Commission Commission – Draft Action Plans are published by the Commission and presented Draft Action Plans are published by the Commission and presented

to the Council for approvalto the Council for approval– Endorsed by the respective Association or Cooperation Councils for Endorsed by the respective Association or Cooperation Councils for

each ENP partnereach ENP partner

Progress on actions monitored by working committees Progress on actions monitored by working committees established under each partner’s Association Council (Euro-established under each partner’s Association Council (Euro-Med partners) or Cooperation Council (TACIS recipients)Med partners) or Cooperation Council (TACIS recipients)Possibility of eventually leading to more extensive Possibility of eventually leading to more extensive “European Neighborhood Agreements” to replaces existing “European Neighborhood Agreements” to replaces existing Association or Partnership & Cooperation Agreements Association or Partnership & Cooperation Agreements

European Neighborhood and European Neighborhood and Partnership InstrumentPartnership Instrument (ENPI) (ENPI)This would replace TACIS, MEDA, & any current funding This would replace TACIS, MEDA, & any current funding programs used for country-specific or regional projects in programs used for country-specific or regional projects in & among the 16 ENP partner countries & Russia& among the 16 ENP partner countries & Russia– The ENPI would also replace other existing EU funding sources The ENPI would also replace other existing EU funding sources

to ENP partnersto ENP partners as part of as part of cross- border projects with EU cross- border projects with EU membersmembers (e.g., INTERREG) (e.g., INTERREG)

Funds from the European Regional Development Fund Funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will provide co-financing (ERDF) will provide co-financing to EU members for their to EU members for their shareshare of any cross-border projects with ENP partners. of any cross-border projects with ENP partners.

The ENPI would take effect under the EU’s next budgetary The ENPI would take effect under the EU’s next budgetary framework for 2007-2013framework for 2007-2013– Proposed as part of a consolidation of the EU’s external funding Proposed as part of a consolidation of the EU’s external funding

sourcessources– The ENPI will be one of six new EU funds regarding external The ENPI will be one of six new EU funds regarding external

relations - for the “EU as a Global Player”relations - for the “EU as a Global Player”

The Commission has proposed that The Commission has proposed that €14.9 billion be €14.9 billion be allocated to this fund during the next budgetary allocated to this fund during the next budgetary frameworkframework

Most Recent History of ENP (part I)Most Recent History of ENP (part I)The two main components of the ENP have started to take shape.The two main components of the ENP have started to take shape.In July of 2003, the Commission published a communication on the In July of 2003, the Commission published a communication on the proposed ENPIproposed ENPI– In October 2003, this was endorsed by GAER Council and In October 2003, this was endorsed by GAER Council and

European CouncilEuropean CouncilIn May of 2004, came two sets of Commission publications:In May of 2004, came two sets of Commission publications:– Strategy Paper Strategy Paper for the ENPfor the ENP

Clarified the geographic scope and priorities of the ENP, as well Clarified the geographic scope and priorities of the ENP, as well as the nature of “action plans” to be tailored to the needs of as the nature of “action plans” to be tailored to the needs of each ENP partnereach ENP partnerRecommended that the three states of the Southern Caucasus Recommended that the three states of the Southern Caucasus be included in the ENP (be included in the ENP (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia)Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia)

– Country ReportsCountry Reports for seven of the ENP partners – i.e., those with for seven of the ENP partners – i.e., those with which the EU already had formal association agreements or which the EU already had formal association agreements or partnership and cooperation agreements with the EU:partnership and cooperation agreements with the EU:

Ukraine, Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Israel, Palestinian Ukraine, Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Israel, Palestinian Authority, and JordonAuthority, and JordonWould guide subsequent negotiations of action plans for these Would guide subsequent negotiations of action plans for these partners partners

Most Recent History of ENP (part II)Most Recent History of ENP (part II)In September 2004, the Commission formally proposed a In September 2004, the Commission formally proposed a legislative “regulation” to establish the legislative “regulation” to establish the ENPIENPI– This legislation will be handled via the co-decision procedureThis legislation will be handled via the co-decision procedure

The legal basis for this in the EU’s treaties is Article 179 and 181A (TEC)The legal basis for this in the EU’s treaties is Article 179 and 181A (TEC)

– The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament is The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament is expected to debate the matter in 2005 and issue its report and expected to debate the matter in 2005 and issue its report and “opinion” (i.e., suggested amendments) to EP plenary soon after this“opinion” (i.e., suggested amendments) to EP plenary soon after this

– The Council, deciding by QMV, must either adopt an identical version The Council, deciding by QMV, must either adopt an identical version of the ENPI or enter into conciliations talks with the EPof the ENPI or enter into conciliations talks with the EP

In December 2004, the first of the In December 2004, the first of the Draft Action PlansDraft Action Plans were were concluded and published for the seven ENP partners concluded and published for the seven ENP partners described in the country reports (see above)described in the country reports (see above)Country Reports and Action Plans for additional ENP Country Reports and Action Plans for additional ENP partners are expected in 2005partners are expected in 2005– However, there are presently no plans to negotiate action plans with:However, there are presently no plans to negotiate action plans with:

Libya, until it enters the Barcelona process; andLibya, until it enters the Barcelona process; andBelarus, until it makes democratic reforms, including the holding of Belarus, until it makes democratic reforms, including the holding of free and fair elections free and fair elections

Who Does What in the ENP?Who Does What in the ENP?The ENP utilizes and does not replace The ENP utilizes and does not replace existing bilateral existing bilateral forumsforums for meetings between the EU & its ENP Partners for meetings between the EU & its ENP Partners– Association CouncilsAssociation Councils

Barcelona Process partnersBarcelona Process partners (Euro-Med partners) in bilateral talks with (Euro-Med partners) in bilateral talks with the EU on Association Agreementsthe EU on Association Agreements

There is also an annual joint Conference of all Euro-Med Foreign There is also an annual joint Conference of all Euro-Med Foreign MinistersMinisters

– Cooperation CouncilsCooperation CouncilsPost-Soviet Partners in bilateral talks with the EU on Partnership and Post-Soviet Partners in bilateral talks with the EU on Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (TACIS recipients)Cooperation Agreements (TACIS recipients)

The The EU’s own governmental institutionsEU’s own governmental institutions also play a key also play a key role in the ENProle in the ENP– CommissionCommission– CouncilCouncil– European ParliamentEuropean Parliament– OthersOthers

Bilateral CouncilsBilateral CouncilsAssociation Councils & Cooperation CouncilsAssociation Councils & Cooperation Councils– Meet at least annually to foster progress on their respective Meet at least annually to foster progress on their respective

Association or Partnership & Cooperation AgreementsAssociation or Partnership & Cooperation Agreements

Delegations of the ENP partners are usually led by foreign ministersDelegations of the ENP partners are usually led by foreign ministersEU Delegations usually consists of the:EU Delegations usually consists of the:– Foreign Minister of the country holding the Council Presidency;Foreign Minister of the country holding the Council Presidency;– Commissioner for External Relations;Commissioner for External Relations;– Secretary-General/High Representative for CFSP; andSecretary-General/High Representative for CFSP; and– (occasionally) Foreign Ministers of countries from the preceding and (occasionally) Foreign Ministers of countries from the preceding and

next Council Presidenciesnext Council Presidencies

Reporting to the Councils are: Reporting to the Councils are: – Bilateral CommitteesBilateral Committees - composed of senior ministerial official or, - composed of senior ministerial official or,

some cases, parliamentary delegates; and some cases, parliamentary delegates; and – Bilateral Sub-committeesBilateral Sub-committees - composed of policy experts at lower - composed of policy experts at lower

levelslevels– The Committees and Subcommittees meet regularlyThe Committees and Subcommittees meet regularly

Some of these will monitor progress on the ENP action plansSome of these will monitor progress on the ENP action plans

The CommissionThe CommissionThe Commission plays a leading role The Commission plays a leading role in the ENPin the ENPThe ENP falls within the portfolio of The ENP falls within the portfolio of the Commissioner for External the Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner (photo)(photo)In 2003, the Commission created a In 2003, the Commission created a Task ForceTask Force for the ENP for the ENP– Draws on officials from its Directorates Draws on officials from its Directorates

General (DGs) for External Relations General (DGs) for External Relations and Enlargementand Enlargement

The Commission is responsible for:The Commission is responsible for:– Conducting exploratory talks & Conducting exploratory talks &

negotiating with the ENP partners negotiating with the ENP partners about their action plans & drafting theseabout their action plans & drafting these

– Drafting legislative proposals for the Drafting legislative proposals for the ENP (e.g., the regulation for the ENPI)ENP (e.g., the regulation for the ENPI)

– Implementing & monitoring progress on Implementing & monitoring progress on the ENP action plans the ENP action plans

The CouncilThe CouncilCouncil of MinistersCouncil of Ministers– The ENP is normally handled by the GAER CouncilThe ENP is normally handled by the GAER Council– Much of the real debate & work is handled ahead of time by Much of the real debate & work is handled ahead of time by COREPER COREPER – Agrees on “Conclusions” that serve as guide to the Commission in Agrees on “Conclusions” that serve as guide to the Commission in

developing more concrete proposalsdeveloping more concrete proposals– Approves actions plans and legislative proposals (potentially by formal vote)Approves actions plans and legislative proposals (potentially by formal vote)– Endorses Commission recommendationsEndorses Commission recommendations

For example, including new ENP partners or starting negotiationsFor example, including new ENP partners or starting negotiations– Prepares the groundwork for the Prepares the groundwork for the European Council’sEuropean Council’s own Conclusions own Conclusions

Council PresidencyCouncil Presidency– Sets agendas & chairs meetings where EU Member States are presentSets agendas & chairs meetings where EU Member States are present

For example, the Council of Ministers and European CouncilFor example, the Council of Ministers and European Council– Along with the SG/HR for CFSP, represents Member States at meetings with Along with the SG/HR for CFSP, represents Member States at meetings with

ENP partners (e.g., in Association or Cooperation Councils)ENP partners (e.g., in Association or Cooperation Councils)Council SecretariatCouncil Secretariat– Administers meetings & works with COREPER to foster communication Administers meetings & works with COREPER to foster communication

among members & continuity across various presidenciesamong members & continuity across various presidencies– Secretary General/High Representative (SG/HR) for CFSPSecretary General/High Representative (SG/HR) for CFSP

Heads the Council Secretariat but leaves administrative tasks to a deputyHeads the Council Secretariat but leaves administrative tasks to a deputyOften attends meetings with ENP partners & provides policy input, Often attends meetings with ENP partners & provides policy input, especially on matters related to “Political Dialogue,” as noted aboveespecially on matters related to “Political Dialogue,” as noted above

The EP and other EU InstitutionsThe EP and other EU InstitutionsEuropean Parliament (EP)European Parliament (EP)– The EP Committee on Foreign Affairs is usually responsible for the ENPThe EP Committee on Foreign Affairs is usually responsible for the ENP– Other Committees may be invited to express opinions on ENP mattersOther Committees may be invited to express opinions on ENP matters

For example, those on Budgets, Trade, JHA, etc,For example, those on Budgets, Trade, JHA, etc,– Receives communications from the CommissionReceives communications from the Commission

For example, strategy papers for the ENP, draft action plans, etc.For example, strategy papers for the ENP, draft action plans, etc.– Can conduct “own-initiative” reports and emphasize their findings in non-Can conduct “own-initiative” reports and emphasize their findings in non-

binding “resolutions”binding “resolutions”For example, the EP can recommend but not require changes to the ENP For example, the EP can recommend but not require changes to the ENP or ask the Commission for clarifications on items in its communicationsor ask the Commission for clarifications on items in its communications

– Has budgetary authority over ENPI funds as part of the Community budgetHas budgetary authority over ENPI funds as part of the Community budget– Has power of co-decision over the legislative regulation creating the ENPIHas power of co-decision over the legislative regulation creating the ENPI– EP Committee chairs appoint a committee member to serve as EP Committee chairs appoint a committee member to serve as RapporteurRapporteur to to

draft each opinion on legislative proposal from the Commission, report, or draft each opinion on legislative proposal from the Commission, report, or resolution on the ENPresolution on the ENP

Other EU InstitutionsOther EU Institutions– The Commission also sends daft-action plans & proposals to the European The Commission also sends daft-action plans & proposals to the European

Economic & Social Committee Economic & Social Committee (EESC)(EESC) & Committee of the Regions & Committee of the Regions (CoR)(CoR)Each body can issue non-binding opinions on actions plans or legislation Each body can issue non-binding opinions on actions plans or legislation related to the ENP, such as the ENPIrelated to the ENP, such as the ENPI

Questions for the FutureQuestions for the FutureThere are many questions on the future of the ENP:There are many questions on the future of the ENP:– Will the ENP, its actions plans, and the ENPI truly provide “added value” to Will the ENP, its actions plans, and the ENPI truly provide “added value” to

the EU’s relationships with the ENP partners, or will this simply prove to be the EU’s relationships with the ENP partners, or will this simply prove to be the old measures in new packaging?the old measures in new packaging?

– Will there be sufficient progress on the action plans?Will there be sufficient progress on the action plans?– Will the ENP be successful at solving problems in the ENP partners, Will the ENP be successful at solving problems in the ENP partners,

improving their relations with the EU, and, as a result, helping to alleviate improving their relations with the EU, and, as a result, helping to alleviate some problems in the EU itself?some problems in the EU itself?

– Will Libya or Belarus soon join the ENP process, and what impact will this Will Libya or Belarus soon join the ENP process, and what impact will this have on those states?have on those states?

– Will the funding allocated in the ENPI prove to be sufficient to achieve the Will the funding allocated in the ENPI prove to be sufficient to achieve the goals of the ENP?goals of the ENP?

– How will the ENP impact the EU’s relationship with Russia?How will the ENP impact the EU’s relationship with Russia?– How will the ENP contribute to the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli How will the ENP contribute to the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli

conflict?conflict?

The Big QuestionsThe Big Questions– Can the EU be an effective “Global Player” in its near abroad Can the EU be an effective “Global Player” in its near abroad without without having having

to resort to promises of membership to its ENP partners?to resort to promises of membership to its ENP partners?– What are the limits of EU expansion? What are the limits of EU expansion? – Is it possible or desirable for the EU to offer membership to any of the ENP Is it possible or desirable for the EU to offer membership to any of the ENP

partners (e.g., Ukraine)? If so, when, and under what conditions?partners (e.g., Ukraine)? If so, when, and under what conditions?