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ENP south: report on activities 2011 and roadmap to 2013 released

16-05-2012

Building sustainable democracies where the right to vote is accompanied by other rights such as free speech, competing political parties, freedom or religion etc. is one of the main objectives of the Roadmap guiding EU policy towards its Southern partners, according to a document released by the EU in the framework of its annual assessment of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).
 
The “Report on activities in 2011 and Roadmap for future action” reviews the first year of implementation of the Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity, and sets out the objectives to be pursued to the end of 2013 and the expected achievements. It accompanies a Joint Communication on “Delivering on a new ENP”.
 
The report refers to how relations developed in the period under review, noting the EU’s “support for the Southern Mediterranean peoples’ drive towards greater respect for human rights, more democracy, dignity and prosperity”. It recalls the Partnership is founded “on an incentive-based approach supporting partners that are committed to reforms. It focuses on three elements: democratic transformation; a partnership with people and civil society, and sustainable and inclusive growth.”
 
As part of the new policy approach, the report says, the EU has launched discussions with Morocco on a new Action Plan in the framework of its Advanced Status and has initiated talks to upgrade relations with Tunisia. In response to Algeria’s interest in engaging with the ENP for the first time, it has started discussions on negotiating an EU – Algeria Action Plan. Moreover, references are made to the response towards the crisis in Libya, where ”the EU was at the forefront of the international humanitarian Response” and to Syria where systematic human rights violations by the regime have been “strongly condemned” and the EU only maintains aid that benefits the Syrian population, students, human rights defenders and the opposition.
 
Policy themes covered include: Inclusive Economic Development; Trade and Investment; Mobility; and Sector Cooperation. In each reference, the objectives, implementation so far with concrete examples, expected achievements by 2013 and EU support are covered. Furthermore the report has a chapter on Regional and Sub Regional Implications, as well as the Funding allocated.
 
The objectives
 
The objectives of the policy for “Inclusive Economic Development, Trade and Investment” is tocontribute to providing growth and jobs and addressing the economic expectations of the populations, notably of the youth; support the promotion of small and medium enterprises, job creation and training; increase trade including through the establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas; and to facilitate European investments in the region. As for the general achievement expected by end 2013, the report notes the new generation Action Plans will include substantial elements on improving investment climate and regulatory convergence with EU acquis.
 
As for the area of Mobility, the objective is opening comprehensive dialogues leading to Mobility Partnerships aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration and mobility in a secure environment, reinforcing local Schengen cooperation, and making full use of the possibilities offered by the EU Visa Code. Expected achievements by end 2013 include Mobility Partnerships with Morocco and Tunisia (2012); dialogues launched with other countries of the region, such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan or Libya; and the possibilities offered under the EU Visa Code (such as the issuance of multiple entry visas and fee waived for certain categories) would have been exploited leading to easier mobility for business people, representatives of civil society organisations, students and youth.
 
In the reference to Sector cooperation, the report says particular emphasis will be given to: alignment in the transport, energy and environment sectors and  the development of a Common Knowledge and Innovation Space and enhancing cooperation on information and communication technologies; The increase in student and academic staff mobility through EU education programmes; Joining efforts on climate change and environment and the gradual development towards an EU – Southern Mediterranean Energy Community; an enhanced transport cooperation; the launch of an Agricultural Development Support Programme; fostering people-to-people contacts, increasing learning mobility supporting the education and training sector in partner countries; and progressive participation in EU programmes and agencies open to third countries.
 
Regional challenges
 
The section on “Regional and Sub-regional implications” underlies that: “Regional challenges call for regional answers. The Arab Spring has highlighted the political, economic and social challenges that can only be dealt effectively at regional level. Resolving political crises such as that in Syria, or addressing security issues such as the proliferation of weapons and terrorism can only be done through regional partners acting together.”
 
The objectives include making the Union for the Mediterranean an effective instrument promoting policy dialogue and sector co-operation at regional level; Promoting sub regional co-operation, in particular in the Maghreb, involving the EU and the relevant partner countries on issues of common concerns, and developing a structured dialogue between the EU and other relevant regional
organisations (in particular the Arab League).
 
Funding
 
In the chapter on funding, the report refers to the fact that additional funding was allocated. “Total 2011 ENPI commitments in favour of Arab Spring countries and region amounted to €1.4 billion of which €130 million were additional funds made available after the Arab Spring events,” it writes.This is followed by a detailed breakdown of funds allocated. (EU Neighbourhood Info) 
 
 
Read more
 
Report: activities in 2011 and Roadmap for future action
 
Joint communication: Delivering on a new European Neighbourhood Policy
 
ENP reference documents webpage
 
EU press release assessing reforms in Neighbourhood (15 May)
 
Info Centre alert - EU assesses reforms in the Neighbourhood (15 May)
 
 
 
 
 


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