JOINT STAFF WORKING PAPER A Medium Term Programme for a renewed European Neighbourhood Policy(2011-2014)  JOINT STAFF WORKING PAPER A Medium Term Programme for a renewed European Neighbourhood Policy(2011-2014)
Date: 2011-05-25
Institutions: European Commission, High Representative of the Union
Subjects: European neighbourhood policy, action programme, association agreement, economic integration

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION FOR 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND 
SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 25.5.2011 
SEC(2011) 650 final 

JOINT STAFF WORKING PAPER 

A Medium Term Programme for a renewed European Neighbourhood Policy 
(2011-2014) 

{COM(2011) 303 final} 
{SEC(2011) 637 final} 
{SEC(2011) 638 final} 
{SEC(2011) 639 final} 
{SEC(2011) 640 final} 
{SEC(2011) 641 final} 
{SEC(2011) 642 final} 
{SEC(2011) 643 final} 
{SEC(2011) 644 final} 
{SEC(2011) 645 final} 
{SEC(2011) 646 final} 
{SEC(2011) 647 final} 
{SEC(2011) 648 final} 
{SEC(2011) 649 final} 
{SEC(2011) 651 final} 
{SEC(2011) 652 final} 

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JOINT STAFF WORKING PAPER 

A Medium Term Programme for a renewed European Neighbourhood Policy 
(2011-2014) 

1. 

MEDIUM TERM GOALS 

In  the  course  of  the  next  four  to  five  years  partner  countries  taking  decisive  steps  towards 
reforms can expect to conclude an Association Agreement (East) or enter in a “Partnership 
for  Democracy  and  Shared  Prosperity”  (South).  This  will  be  accompanied  by  enhanced 
mobility and people to people contacts (e.g. including through the possible establishment of 
mobility  partnerships),  economic 
industrial  cooperation,  SME 
development,  and  increased  trade  relations  with  the  EU  (e.g.  through  the  establishment  of 
Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas and the conclusions of other agreements, e.g. in 
agriculture,  services  and  establishment  or  Agreements  on  Conformity  Assessment  and 
Acceptance of Industrial products for priority sectors), deeper sector integration (e.g. through 
the integration in a pan-European energy market and the participation in EU programmes and 
agencies in accordance with the opening possibilities granted in each programmes and with 
the  general  guidelines  regarding    the  participation  in  EU  Agencies).  It  will  also  be 
accompanied by appropriate financial resources and new tools.  

integration 

through 

2. 

A MEDIUM TERM PROGRAMME 

The  Communication  “A  new  response  to  a  changing  Neighbourhood”  identifies  the  steps 
towards  these  goals  and  suggests  a  number  of  actions  through  which  the  EU  can  support 
partner  countries  reform  efforts.  This  Medium  Term  programme  maps  out  in  more  detail 
these  actions,  defines  the  expected  timeline  for  their  implementation  and  identifies  the 
responsibility for their implementation within the EU institutions. In order to ensure results, 
assistance will also need to be focused on a limited number of agreed core priority sectors. 

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2.1. 

Actions to be implemented across the entire neighbourhood 

Action 

Responsibility 

Timing1  

Details 

TO SUPPORT PROGRESS TOWARDS DEEP DEMOCRACY 

Supporting Deep Democracy 

Better  define 
the  benchmarks  “deep 
democracy”  benchmarks  against  which  the 
EU will assess progress of partner countries 
and  adapt  its  level  of  support  d  in  the 
communication.  On  that  basis  a  consistent 
approach to differentiation will be devised. 

A Partnership with Societies 

EEAS 

2nd half 2011 

Enhanced Human Rights Dialogues 

EEAS/Partners 

Continuous 
- 
starting  2nd  half 
2011 

The dialogues will focus, inter alia, on: 
•  The  effective  implementation  of  international  and 
regional  human  rights  and  humanitarian 
law 
conventions.  

•  The  effective  implementation  of  recommendations 
from  international  and  regional  human  rights  treaty 
monitoring bodies. 

•  Effective  implementation  of  commitments  made  by 
the partner countries themselves in the context of the 

1 The timing referred in this table provides an approximate indication on when the implementation of the various actions will start. Depending on the action, to start may mean a 

negotiation session,  a meeting,  a seminar or an internal paper leading to a proposal or mapping a process,  

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UN Universal Periodic Review.  

•  The  lifting  of  reservations  to  UN  human  rights 

conventions. 

•  The  cooperation  with  UN  special  human  rights 

mechanisms. 

•  The establishment of, and the monitoring of progress 
towards,  concrete  benchmarks  in  particular  in  the 
freedom  of  association  and 
following  areas: 
assembly, 
independent 
freedom  of  expression, 
monitoring  and  observation  of  elections,  women’s 
rights,  fight  against  torture  and  death  penalty 
(moratorium and steps towards formal abolition. 

Monitoring gender equality in the context of 
Human  Rights  dialogues  and  the  relevant 
sub-committees  and  promote  exchange  of 
experiences   

EEAS  /  DG  JUST  / 
Partners 

Continuous 
- 
starting  2nd  half 
2011 

Enhance  the  institutionalised  mechanism  of 
regular  and  systematic  dialogue  with  Civil 
Society  organisations  and  social  partners  at 
country level 

EEAS/ 
Delegations 
DEVCO 

EU 
/  DG 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 

Systematically 
Society 
involve 
Organisations  and  social  partners  in  the 
policy  dialogue  and  promoting  reforms  at 
national level. 

Civil 

EU Delegations / DG 
DEVCO / DG EMPL 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 

Promote social dialogue and social partners' 
capacity,  including  through  the  Euro-Med 
Social Dialogue Forum 

DG EMPL 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 

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Civil Society Facility 

DG DEVCO/ EEAS / 

2nd half 2011 

The Facility will be articulated in three components: 

1.  Increase  involvement  of  CSOs  in  sector  policy 
dialogues  between  the  EU  and  partner  countries  and  in 
the  implementation  of  bilateral  programmes  in  relevant 
fields 
Description:  In  order  for  CSOs  to  become  stronger 
partners  in  the  implementation  of  ENP  objectives  they 
need strengthened capacities and information to identify 
entry  points  and  contribute  to  bilateral  and  regional 
cooperation. A collective reflection is required on how to 
associate  CSOs  in  formulation  and  implementation  of 
sector  reforms  and  new  aid  modalities  such  as  budget 
support.  

2.  Strengthening  CSOs  through  support  to  regional  or 
country projects 
Description:  CSOs  in  the  ENP  region  need  reinforced 
direct  access  to  funding  to  support  projects  relevant  in 
the  context  of  the  ENP  (e.g.  monitoring  implementation 
or  accompanying  ENP  Action  Plans  priorities  and 
regional  political  agendas).  A  specific  regional  call 
could  be  identified  as  a  flagship  activity,  supporting 
region wide issues. 

3.  Increased  support  for  stand-alone  country-based 
the 
bilateral  projects  and  programmes 
strengthening  of  civil  society  and  the  capacity  of  civil 
society actors 

targeting 

to 
Description:  Encouraging  partner  governments 
reinforce  CSO  capacities  and  their  involvement  in 

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European Endowment for Democracy  

EEAS / DG DEVCO 

2nd half 2011 

DG INFSO / EEAS 

2nd half of 2011 

the 

establish  a  process  of 
towards 

regional 
To 
convergence 
regulatory 
framework  for  electronic  communications 
and for an audiovisual and media regulatory 
freedom  of 
that  guarantees 
framework 
information and the respect of human rights, 
favours  social  participation  and  ultimately 
allows  the  exchange  of  broadcasts  and 
programmes  both  within  the  region  and  the 
broader area of the Neighbourhood. 

domestic policy and decision-making processes.  

Dedicated  EU-Southern  Neighbourhood  partners  committee 
as  well  as  ad  hoc  conferences  should  be  established  to 
complement  and 
the  regional/neighbourhood 
perspective  to  activities  currently  engaged  at  the  level  of  the 
Joint Action Plans. 

to  provide 

Communication  and  public  diplomacy 
strategy 

EEAS/DG DEVCO 

The public diplomacy strategy will include:  

Earliest  2nd  half 
2012 

•  Support for media freedom and access to information; 
•  Support  for  press  and  TV  media  for  the  treatment  of 
subjects  (press  reports,  TV  programmes)  related  to 
principles and achievements of the ENP; 

•  Support  for  media  co-operation  between  EU  and 
Partner countries resulting in joint journalistic work; 
the  development  of  online  and 
multilingual information illustrating ENP with special 
focus on youth audiences; 

•  Support 

for 

Intensifying  political  and  security  co-
operation 

•  Support  for  the  organisation  of  public  events  related 
to  ENP  programmes  and  projects  (such  as  public 
conferences, travelling exhibitions or festivals). 

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in 

measures 

Integrate  more  systematically  confidence 
building 
cooperation 
programmes  and  ensure  coherence  between 
the 
the 
European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership 
Instrument 
and  CFSP/ESDP 
instruments 

for  Stability 

Instrument 

(ENPI) 

(IfS), 

EEAS / DG DEVCO 

Continuous 
Starting in 2012 

- 

Enhance  support  for  confidence  building 
measures 

EEAS/DG DEVCO 

Starting 2012 

TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Sustainable  economic  growth  and  job 
creation 

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European  Neighbourhood  Programme  for 
Agriculture  and  Rural  Development 
- 
ENPARD. 

EEAS/DEVCO/DG 
AGRI 

Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

The  programme  would  build  upon  best  practice 
experienced  in  developing  rural  areas,  in  particular  in 
enlargement  countries.  A  combined  approach  of 
investment  support  and  building  up  of  administrative 
capacities through technical assistance would permit the 
modernisation  of  the  agricultural  production  aligned  to 
EU  quality  and  food  safety  standards,  hence  preparing 
thus  countries  to  operate  more  effectively  in  the  EU 
single market and create new opportunities at local level. 

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The  EU  will  strengthen  its  regular  bilateral 
economic  dialogues  with  partner  countries 
as  to  monitor  and  discuss  macroeconomic 
and financial issues of common interest 

DG  ECFIN/  EEAS/ 
Eurostat/DG TRADE/ 
Partners 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 

Enhanced  dialogue  on  employment  and 
social policies 

DG EMPL 

Staring  from  2nd 
half 2011 

This activity will build on and further develop Euro-Med 
dialogue  on  employment  and  social  policy,  cooperation 
the  Eastern  Partnership,  which  will  be 
within 
complemented by bilateral activities as appropriate. 

Share  industrial  and  enterprise  policies, 
programmes  and  good  practice  across 
sectors and in some priority sectors (textiles, 
tourism,  space,  SMEs,  raw  materials)  spur 
entrepreneurship, 
the  business 
environment, help micro, small and medium-
sized  enterprises  to  grow,  create  jobs  and 

improve 

DG 
DEVCO 

ENTR/DG 

Staring 
half 2011 

second 

A  support  can  be  provided  through  a  policy  dialogue 
under  the  Euro  Med  Industrial  Cooperation  and  the 
Eastern Partnership. 

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export 

Discuss with EIB and other stakeholders the 
possible  role  for  the  European  Investment 
Fund 
the  Eastern  and  Southern 
Neighbourhood 

to 

DG ECFIN / EEAS 

2012 

Explore  options  to  provide  legal  security  to 
in  neighbouring 
investors  and 
countries  through  an  enhanced  investment 
protection scheme.  

traders 

DG 
TRADE/EEAS/DG 
ECFIN 

2012 

Encourage  local  development  around  FDIs 
to  maximise  benefits  for  host  areas  and 
examine  measures  including  guarantees  to 
promote direct investment from EU SMEs. 

DG  DEVCO  /  DG 
ECFIN/  ENTR 

1st half 2012 

Support 
investors' 
the  organisation  of 
conferences  in  countries  already  engaged  in 
the  transition  process,  and  in  support  of  the 

DG  ENTR 
DEVCO / EEAS 

/  DG 

Starting  from  2nd 
half 2011 

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national  programmes  developed  by 
government.  

the 

Proposal  for  a  framework  Regulation  on 
Macro Financial Assistance 

DG ECFIN 

2nd  half 2011 

With the Framework Regulation the Commission intends 
to create a formal legal instrument for MFA that would 
speed  up  the  decision-making  for  individual  MFA 
operations  so  that  the  instrument  can  better  help 
beneficiary  countries  withstand  short-term  external 
financial  pressures,  while  supporting  them  in  adopting 
adjustment  measures  designed  to  restore  a  sustainable 
balance-of-payments  position.  It  would  also  make  the 
decision-making  process  comparable  to  that  of  other 
external instruments.  

Strengthening trade ties 

Establish  a  realistic  and  transparent  set  of 
benchmarks  for  each  of  the  Internal  Market 
areas and for the relevant horizontal areas in 
to  support  progressive  economic 
order 
integration with the Internal Market 

EEAS 
with  DG 
MARKT,  DG  TRADE 
and  other  relevant 
services 
COM 
depending  on 
the 
sector 

 2012 

This could be done in the new generation Action Plans  

Conclude  bilateral  DCFTAs  based  on 
progressive  regulatory  convergence  towards 
the EU acquis in selected sectors or areas of 
their 
interest  and  building  on 
mutual 
participation  in  a  wider  system  of  diagonal 
cumulation of origin 

TRADE/EEAS/ 

DG 
Partner countries 

Continuous 

Establish  a  process  for  allowing  partners 
that  have  concluded  DCFTAs  and  have  a 

DG 
MARKT/ 

ENTR/  DG 
DG 

2013 

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fully  functioning  independent  judiciary  and 
an  efficient  public  administration  and  have 
made 
towards 
eradicating  corruption 
into  “the  non-
regulated  area”  of  the  Internal  Market  for 
goods.   

significant 

progress 

TRADE/EEAS 

Strengthening sanitary, veterinary and 
phytosanitary standards as a key element to 
develop agriculture and food industries 
notably by participation to trainings of the 
Better Training for Safer Food programme 

DG SANCO/ EEAS/ 
Partners 

Ongoing 

Enhance the technical support given to our 
partners in order to speed the preparation of 
Agreements for Conformity Assessment and 
Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA). 

DG ENTR 

Ongoing 

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Widen  the  scope  for  exchange  of  public 
expertise including through TAIEX  

DG 
DEVCO/EEAS/DG 
ELARG 

2012 

TAIEX  will  remain  the  predominant  instrument  to 
channel additional financing for exchange of short-term 
expertise  and  support  progressive  economic  integration 
in  the  EU  Internal  Market.  The  Commission  will  also 
seek to promote and provide additional financing for the 
secondment  of  officials  to  the  EU  institutions  and 
Member  States, 
financing  participation  of  partner 
country officials to EU events, as well as for short term 
training. 

Enhancing Sector Co-operation 

Work towards the development of a Common 
Knowledge  and  Innovation  Space  linked  to 
smart  growth  and 
Innovation 
Agenda,  so  as  to  strengthen  the  policy 
dialogue,  national  and  regional  capacity 
building  and  cooperation  in  research  and 
innovation. 

the  EU 

Step up cooperation with partner countries in 
the  field  of  information  and  communication 
technology  to  support  the  development  of  a 
digital economy  

Assist  partner  countries  in  fulfilling  the 
legislative  prerequisites  for  participation  in 
the  work  of  EU  agencies  on  the  basis  of 

DG  RTD  /  EEAS  / 
DEVCO / DG HOME 

Continuous. 
Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

DG INFSO / EEAS 

Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

DG DEVCO 

Continuous 

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existing guidelines for such participation.  

Provide  support  to  potential  beneficiaries  of 
EU programmes  

DG DEVCO 

Starting 
half of 2012  

in  2nd 

 Inform  potential  beneficiaries  of 
provided  by  EU  programmes  and  assist 
preparing good proposals.  

the  opportunities 
in 

them 

Provide  co-financing  for  participation  to 
selected EU programmes of countries having 
concluded a framework agreement  

DG  DEVCO  /  EEAS/ 
other  relevant  COM 
services 

 Starting 
half 2012 

in  2nd 

EU  Programmes  in  which  the  participation  of  partner 
countries could be co-financed 

•  Customs 2013,  
•  Competitiveness 
Programme 
Innovation;  

and 

Innovation 

(CIP2) 

-  Entrepreneurship 

Framework 
and 

•  SESAR - Joint Undertaking;  
•  Competitiveness 

and 

Innovation 

Framework 

Programme (CIP) - Intelligent Energy-Europe,  

•  Competitiveness 

and 

Innovation 

Framework 

Programme (CIP) - ICT Policy Support;  

•  Public Health. 
•  The  7th  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and 

Development (the Republic of Moldova only) 

In  addition  partner  countries  that  have  made  more 
progress  on  regulatory  convergence  in  the  area  of 
covering  food  and  feed  law,  animal  health  and  welfare 
and plant health rules can be admitted to training events 
currently being offered to EU member states only. 

2 The CIP will come to an end in 2013 and  participation in the Programme  is subject to some conditions  

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DG  CLIMA  /  EEAS/  
DG DEVCO 

Starting  2nd  half 
of 2011 

Promotion  of  enhanced  action  on  climate 
change  addressing  low-carbon  development 
including  access  to  renewable  energy  and 
impacts 
enhanced  resilience 
(adaptation); 
in 
implementing  the  Cancun  agreement  and 
further future steps towards a comprehensive 
global climate regime.   

to  climate 
to 

action 

assist 

Increased  policy  dialogue  aimed  at  gradual 
convergence  with  key  elements  of 
the 
to 
environmental  acquis  and  accession 
multilateral  environmental  agreements  that 
are transposed into EU acquis 

integrated 
Gradual  establishment  of  an 
energy  market  based  on 
converging 
regulatory  frameworks,  including  safety  and 
environmental standards, the development of 
new  partnerships  on  renewable  energy 
sources  and  energy  efficiency,  and  nuclear 
safety 

DG  ENV 
/DG DEVCO 

/  EEAS/ 

Starting  2nd  half 
of 2011 

DG ENER / EEAS 

Continued 

Commission  Communication  “The  EU 
energy  policy:  engaging  with  partners 
beyond  our  borders”  will  include  further 

DG  ENER  (lead)  in 
with 
co-operation 
DG 
and 
EEAS 

2nd t half of 2011 

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proposals  on  energy  cooperation  with 
partner countries 

DEVCO 

Communication  on  transport  relations  with 
the EU’s neighbouring countries;   

DG MOVE / EEAS 

2nd t half of 2011 

Elaborate  a  more  strategic  approach  and 
cooperation  on  maritime  affairs  ,  aiming  at 
enhancing  cooperation  across  maritime 
sectors  and  allowing 
sustainable 
economic development. 

for 

DG MARE 

2012 

transport 

  focus  at  closer  market 
The  Communication  will 
sector  and  better 
in 
integration 
infrastructure 
addressing 
while 
administrative  bottlenecks  with  a  focus  on  safety  and 
security issues, and enhancing cooperation with various 
EU transport agencies 

the 
connections, 

two 

regional 

Establish 
consultative 
committees  with  eastern  and 
southern 
neighbours  respectively 
the  area  of 
to 
Agriculture  and  Rural  Development 
regularly  review  the  harmonisation  process 
and exchange best practices in key areas 

in 

DG AGRI/EEAS 

2012 

Initiate  policy  dialogues  on  regional  policy 
and  social  cohesion  in  furtherance  of  EU 
policy  objectives  with  interested  partners  as 
appropriate 

DG  REGIO 
EMPL 

/  DG 

2012 

Promotion  and  implementation  of  the  use  of 
internationally  recognised 
European  and 
the 
standards 
for 
production  of 

for 
statistics,  necessary 

and  methodology 

ESTAT 

Starting 2012 

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developing  and  monitoring  of  policy 
achievements in all policy areas. 

Expand sector co-operation in specific areas  Relevant DGs 

Starting in 2012 

DG  DEVCO/  DG 
ECHO 

From 
onwards 

2012 

Enhance  further  cooperation  in  the  field  of 
civil  protection  and  disaster  risk  reduction 
the  existing 
through  a  continuation  of 
Prevention 
the 
Programmes 
Preparedness  and  Response  to  Natural  and 
Man-Made  Disasters  -  PPRD  South  (ENPI 
South) and PPRD East (ENPI East). 

for 

Migration and mobility 

Pursue  the  process  of  visa  facilitation  for 
selected ENP partners and visa liberalisation 

DG HOME/EEAS 

ongoing 

Areas  where  sector  co-operation  with  partner  countries 
could be further expanded 

•  Sustainable 
control. 

fisheries  management  and 

fisheries 

•   Strengthening  the  effectiveness,  transparency  and 
accountability  of  the  public  financial  management 
system  including  audit,  control  and  anti-fraud  bodies 
and measures. 

•  Space 

(Common 

technological  Platform,  Space 

Agency). 

•  Sport. 

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for those most advanced 

Develop  existing  Mobility  Partnerships  and 
establish new ones 

DG HOME/EEAS 

From  2nd  half 
2011 

See  also  proposal  to  initiate  the  process  leading  to 
mobility partnerships with specific southern neighbours 
under 2.3 below 

Capacity  building  measures  implemented  in 
partnership  with 
the  partner  countries 
through  the  EU  agency  on  border  security 
(Frontex),  the  European  Asylum  Support 
Office  (EASO)  and  EUROPOL  in  the  areas 
of  border  management,  asylum  and  law 
enforcement co-operation 

DG  DEVCO 
/DG 
HOME / FRONTEX / 
EASO  /  EUROPOL 
/EEAS 

Starting in 2012  

Develop the Regional Protection Programme 
designated  in  April  2010  covering  Egypt, 
Libya and Tunisia. 

DG  HOME 
DEVCO 

/  DG 

2nd half 2011 

Measures  leading  to  facilitating  the  issuing  
to  students,  researchers  and 
of  visas 
businessmen   

DG 
Member States 

HOME/EU 

Starting 1st half of 
2011 

Measures  leading  to  the  issuing    of  visas  to  students, 
researchers and businessmen     based, inter alia, on the 
facilitations offered by the EU Visa Code, may include:  

•  Improved information to the public on the procedures 

and conditions for applying for a visa  

•  Consider waiving visa fees and to issuing multi-entry 

visa to the certain categories of visa applicants. 

•  EU  funded  training  for  member  states  consular  staff 
at  EU  level  to  enhance  knowledge  of  the  legal 
framework  and  promote  a  harmonised  application  of 
the  Visa  Code  and  the  practical  instructions  on  the 
implementation of the Code  

•   enhanced 

representation  arrangements  between 

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member states  

•  Common  Applications  Centres  to  improve  consular 

coverage  

SIMPLIFIED AND COHERENT POLICY AND PROGRAMMING FRAMEWORK 

 Clearer  priorities 
political steering 

through 

stronger 

Intensification 
Commissioners and line Ministers  

contacts 

of 

between 

COM/Partners 

Continuous- 
starting  2nd  half 
2011 

Proposals to intensify the political dialogue   COM/EEAS 

the  end  of 

By 
2011 

High level sectoral policy dialogue to be under the lead 
of relevant Commission services 

New  generation  of  Action  plans  including 
more  precise  benchmarks  and  a  clearer 
sequencing of actions 

EEAS/COM/Partners  Continuous as old 

AP expires  

Agree  on  a  list  of  short  term  priorities  with 
key reform steps and EU responses 

EEAS/COM/Partners  Yearly 

Increasingly  forthright  regular  reports  on 
Action Plans implementation 

Funding 

EEAS 
Delegations / COM 

/ 

EU 

Continuous 

Implement the decision to allocate additional  BUDG/EEAS/ 

Submitting  concurring  budget  proposals  to  the  Budget 

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financial resources to the ENP 

DEVCO 

Authority: 

• 

• 

• 

transfers for 2011; 

 Amending Letter for 2012; 

Re-programming for 2013. 

Council 

Ongoing 

available 

Adopt  the  Commission  proposal  to  amend 
Article  23  of  the  ENPI  regulation.  This  will 
make 
resources 
(approximately  EUR  225  million  in  the 
period  2011-13)  to  finance  SMEs  under  the 
Facility  for  Euro  Mediterranean  Investment 
and Partnership (FEMIP) 

additional 

Reallocation of the resources stemming from 
the cancelled Governance Facility to finance 
the  new  initiatives  stemming  from  the  ENP 
review  

EEAS/DEVCO 

2nd half 2011 

The  Governance  Facility  was  established  in  2007  as  a 
mechanism  to  draw  the  partners’  attention  on  the 
importance  of  Democratic  Governance  and  encourage 
their efforts to comply with higher standards through an 
extra  allocation  to  the  best  performers  in  terms  of 
governance. Since then, the ENPI allocation system was 
to  better  reflect  governance  performance 
revised 
overtime and the country allocations for 2011-13 reflect 
more closely the progress in governance and reform. In 
addition  the  review  has  highlighted  that  the  financial 
incentives provided in this form have not been a driver of 
change. Discontinuing the facility provides the possibility 
to  reallocate  funding  in  support  of  proposals  emerging 
from  the  review  most  of  which  have  a  direct  impact  on 
political and economic governance.  

EN 

20 

EN 

 
  
 
Involving the EIB and the EBRD 

Work  towards  the  extension  of  the  latter’s 
mandate to selected Southern partners 

DG ECFIN  

2nd half 2011 

Planning for 2013 and beyond 

for 

new 

European 
a 
Proposal 
Neighbourhood  Instrument  (ENI)  2014-20: 
1) with adequate resources; 2) providing for 
stricter 
increased 
for  best 
conditionality  and 
performers  and  3) 
specific 
components  modelled  on  the  EU  Cohesion 
and Rural development policies 

differentiation, 

incentives 

including 

EEAS/COM 

2nd half 2011 

The  new  ENI  should  be  increasingly  policy-driven, 
focused on jointly agreed priorities in view of economic, 
social  and  sectoral  integration  and  enhanced  political 
cooperation, and provide incentives for best performers. 
To  adequately  support  the  new  ENP  vision  and  ensure 
full  coherence  between  the  policy  and  the  financial 
assistance the new instrument should have the following 
characteristics:  

•  Appropriate 

financial  support  should  be  made 
available  for  co-operation  with  partner  countries 
under the new Multi-annual Financial Framework. 
•  The objectives and scope of the future neighbourhood 
instrument  should  reflect  the  renewed  policy  vision 
and drive promotion of economic integration through 
DCFTAs and regional integration agreements. 

•  In 

line  with 

performance-based 
increased 
differentiation, future funding should reflect readiness 
to  move  forward  with  reforms-related  commitments 
the  context  of  DCFTAs  or  mobility 
taken 
negotiations. 

in 

EN 

21 

EN 

•  Drawing funding from internal and external headings 
of the EU budget should be used more systematically, 
in particular for infrastructure interconnections. 

•  Where  appropriate  the  Commission  should  bring 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Simplify the programming process 

EEAS / DG DEVCO 

2012 

the  beneficiaries  by 
to 
implementation  closer 
gradually moving towards a more generalised use of 
country systems.   

•  Ensure the protection of financial interests of the EU 

and the partner countries  

•  Cross  Border  co-operation  should  be  strengthened 

and simplified. 

Consideration  should  also  be  given  to  strengthen  joint 
monitoring with the view of reallocating funds from non-
performing to performing projects. 

For  those  countries  with  whom  a  “new  generation” 
action plan (or equivalent document) has been agreed a 
Single  Support  Framework  will  be  proposed.  The  SSF 
will focus on identifying those Action Plan priorities that 
require EU assistance and earmark financial support to 
them. The SSF will be gradually introduced and have the 
same duration of the Action Plan.  

towards 

Work 
programming 
Member States. 

launching 
exercises  with 

pilot 

joint 
interested 

Communication on budget support including 
proposals 
increased 
attention  for  shared  values  into  budget 
support arrangements  

incorporating 

for 

EEAS/DG DEVCO 

2012 

DG DEVCO 

2nd half of 2011 

EN 

22 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
EN 

23 

EN 

 
  
 
2.2. 

Strengthening the Eastern partnership 

Action 

Responsibility 

Timing 

Details 

European 

Intensify engagement with non-governmental 
stakeholders,  including  parliaments  (using 
the 
Parliament-established 
EURONEST), regional actors in cooperation 
with  the  Committee  of  the  Regions,  the 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee 
business  and  civil  society  (using  the  EaP 
its  national 
Civil  Society  Forum  and 
platforms); 

Promote  visibility  of  EaP  bilateral  and 
multilateral  activities, 
flagship 
initiatives.  

including 

following 

Promote  new  initiatives  in  the  area  of 
Culture 
successful 
implementation  of  the  Special  Action  2009 
and  2010  of  Culture  Programme  and  the 
Eastern Partnership Culture programme; 

the 

EEAS/COM 

Continuous, 
starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

EEAS / DG DEVCO/ 
DG TRADE 

Continuous, 
starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

EEAS / DG EAC / 
DG DEVCO 

2012/2013 

Further  expand  structured  cooperation  for 
non-formal  education  and  capacity  building 
for  young  people,  youth  workers  and  youth 
organisations  (Youth in Action) 

EEAS / DG EAC / 
DG DEVCO 

EN 

From  2nd  half  of 
2011 

24 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the  possibility 

the 
Exploring 
Convention  of  Pan  Euro-Mediterranean 
Trade  Preference 
the  EU  Eastern 
to 
Neighbours 

to  extend 

DG TRADE/DG 
ENTR 

2012 

Establish  a  cooperation 
for 
transport  policy  and  infrastructure  planning 
under the Eastern Partnership initiative 

framework 

DG MOVE / EEAS 

2nd t half of 2011 

Increased  participation  of  partners 
in 
Erasmus  Mundus,  Tempus  and  partial 
extension of eTwinning. 

DG EAC/DG 
DEVCO/EEAS 

From  2nd  half  of 
2011 

Establish a Business Forum and organise in 
co-operation with Business Europe, business 
roundtable in selected partner countries 

DG ENTR / 
EEAS/DG TRADE 

From  2nd  half  of 
2011 

To be based on the experiences from previous initiatives, 
e.g. the Trade Panel work on the involvement of business 
organisations  in  the  EaP,  and  its  cooperation  with 
Business Europe and Eurochambres. 

Further  intensification  of  cooperation  in  the 
areas  of  energy,  environment,  climate:, 
following  among  others  the  accession  to  the 
European  Energy  Community  by  Ukraine 
and the Republic of Moldova; 
Maintain  the  full  integration  of  the  research 
and  education  communities  in  the  region 
within  the  e-infrastructure  (e.g.  GEANT  for 
networking,  EGI  for  grids  and  distributed 
computing). 

DG ENV / DG 
CLIMA /DG ENER 

Continuous, 
Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

DG INFSO 

Continuous 

EN 

25 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Build  on  existing  Regional  policy  dialogues 
already launched with Ukraine, Moldova and 
Georgia,  to  exapnd  activities  responding  to 
interests  of  the  countries  concerned  within 
the scope of limited resources 

DG REGIO 

Starting 
second half 2011 

from 

Develop policy dialogue on employment and 
social policies 

DG EMPL 

2012 

Explore possibilities for further development 
of  cooperation  in  the  areas  of  Justice, 
Freedom  and  Security  for  partners  both  in 
the  East  and  the  South  (for  the  East  on  the 
basis of the JHA Eastern Partnership Action 
Plan 
Stockholm 
by 
Programme); 

foreseen 

the 

DG HOME/ DG 
JUST/ EEAS / 
DEVCO 

2nd half of 2011 

Intensify  the  fight  against  smuggling  along 
the  Eastern  Border  on  the  basis  of  an  Anti-
Smuggling Action Plan;  

OLAF/DG TAXUD 

1st half of 2011 

Step  up  customs  cooperation  with  Ukraine, 
the Republic of Moldova and Belarus; 

DG TAXUD 

2nd half of 2011 

Explore  possibilities  for  cooperation  on  the 
Common  Security  and  Defence  Policy 
(CSDP).  

EEAS 

2nd half of 2011 

To  address  effectively  the  problem  of  smuggling  of  alcohol 
and tobacco  into the EU, a number of short, medium and long 
term  actions  have  been  identified  to  be  carried  out  with  the 
help of Member States and neighbouring third countries along 
the EU Eastern Border. 

To  recast  customs  cooperation  with  the  Eastern  partners 
planned  under  Strategic  Frameworks  by  developing  safe  and 
fluid  trade  lanes;  promoting  risk  management  and  fight 
against fraud and investing in customs modernisation. 

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Roadmap  for  the  future  implementation  of 
the EaP.  

EEAS / Relevant DGs  1st half of 2011 

2.3. 

Building the Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity in the Southern Mediterranean 

Action 

Responsibility 

Timing 

Details 

Democratic transformation 

Invite  partner  countries  to  step  up  their  co-
operation  with  the  Council  of  Europe  by 
pursuing  a  “Partner  for  Democracy”  status 
in  the  Council  of  Europe  Parliamentary 
Assembly  and  take  steps  towards  accession 
to  a  number  of  governance 
related 
conventions 

EEAS / DG HOME 

Continuous  
Starting  1st  half  of 
2011 

List  of  the  Council  of  Europe  Conventions  to  which  EU 
Southern Neighbours are encouraged to accede: 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

Convention  on  Laundering,  Search,  Seizure  and 
Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on 
the Financing of Terrorism (CETS 198); 
Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 185); 
Convention  on  Action  against  Trafficking  in 
Human Beings (CETS 197); 
Convention  on 
the  Protection  of  Children 
against  Sexual  Exploitation  and  Sexual  Abuse 
(CETS 201). 
Criminal  Law  Convention  on  Corruption 
(ETS.173); 
Civil Law Convention on Corruption (ETS. 174); 
Additional  Protocol 
the  Criminal  Law 
to 
Convention on Corruption (ETS 191); 
Convention  on  the  Prevention  of  Terrorism 
(CETS 196); 

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

European  Convention  on  Mutual  Assistance  in 
Criminal Matters (ETS 30); 
Second  Additional  Protocol  to  the  European 
Convention  on  Mutual  Assistance  in  Criminal 
Matters (CETS.182);  
European  Convention  for  the  Prevention  of 
Torture  and  Inhuman  or  Degrading  Treatment 
or Punishment (CETS 126);  
European Convention on Extradition (ETS 24). 

Comprehensive  institution  building  programme  will  draw  on 
EU experience in democratic transition and build on existing 
experiences in the Neighbourhood.  

DG DEVCO/ EEAS 

2nd half of 2011 

EEAS/DG DEVCO 

2012 

Establish  a  suitable  mechanism  to  support 
partner  countries 
increased  co-operation 
with the Council of Europe. 

institution 

Comprehensive 
building 
programmes  for  democratic  reforms  based 
on the rule of law to assist partner countries 
in  building  governance  and  modernising 
their  administrations  and  societies  in  the 
reform of their security sector 

Partnership with people 

communication 
approach 

on 
a 
Commission 
to  migration 
comprehensive 
between 
the  Southern 
Neighbourhood  region  and  the  European 
Union 

the  countries  of 

DG HOME 

1st half of 2011 

This  Communication  will  suggest  a  plan 
management  of  migration  and  refugee 
cooperation with South Mediterranean countries.  

for 
flows 

the 
in 

The  Communication  will  propose  a  model  of  Mobility 

EN 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Partnership  and  propose  countries  with  which  such 
Partnerships could be developed. The conclusion of such 
Partnerships  should  be  preceded  by  a  Senior  Officials  ' 
dialogue aimed at preparing them.  

The  selection  of  the  countries  with  which  the  Senior 
Officials dialogue should be initiated will be made by the 
European  Council  of  24  June  2011,  on  the  basis  of  the 
suggestions  made  by  the  Commission's  Communication 
of  24  May  and  of  the  Conclusions  of  the  Justice  and 
Home Affairs Council of 9-10 June. 

Senior  Officials  dialogue  on  migration, 
mobility  and  security  with  selected  South 
Mediterranean  countries  proposed  for  the 
preparation of a Mobility Partnership.   

DG HOME/ EEAS/ 

Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

Negotiations and implementation of Mobility 
South 
Partnerships 
Mediterranean 
Egypt, 
Morocco, Tunisia)  

with 
countries 

selected 
(i.e. 

DG HOME / EEAS / 
EMPL  

Starting  end  of  2nd 
half 
2011/ 
of 
beginning of 2012 

for 

remittances 

(economic)  migration;  support 
improved 

Mobility Partnerships, cover initiatives such as visa and 
legal migration arrangements; capacity building on legal 
frameworks 
to 
development 
for 
manage 
outcomes,  more  efficient  matching  of  labour  demands 
and  needs,  including  through  networks  of  employment 
agencies; 
reintegration  programmes; 
upgrading of the asylum systems to EU standards etc. In 
return for increased mobility, partners must be ready to 
strengthen  border  management,  fight  against  irregular 
migration  and  trafficking  in  human  beings  accept  the 
return  and  reintegration  of  irregular  migrants  (return 
readmission  agreements)  and 
arrangements  and 

return  and 

EN 

29 

EN 

 
  
 
 
effectively 
corruption. 

fight 

trans-border  organised  crime  and 

The  assistance  of  the  European  Training  Foundation 
may be sought to help a more efficient matching of skills 
and labour demand. 

Development of a more integrated approach 
to employment, skills and mobility and policy 
cooperation  starting  with  exchange  of  good 
practice in promoting youth employment and 
expertise  among  Public 
exchange  of 
Employment Services. 

Allocate funding and implement co-operation 
projects  to  support  preparations  for  and 
implementation of the Mobility Partnerships. 

interested  partners  and 

Explore the possibility to launch cooperation 
with 
relevant 
International  Organisation  (e.g.:  UNWTO, 
UNESCO, Council of Europe) on joint trans-
national cultural tourism projects. 

Further  expand  student  and  academic  staff 
mobility  within  university  partnerships 
(Erasmus  Mundus) 
structured 
and 
cooperation 
for  university  modernisation 
(Tempus)  and  of  Young  people  (Youth  in 
Action)  and  extend  parts  of  the  e-Twinning 

DG EMPL 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 / 1st half  2012

EEAS/DG DEVCO 

2nd half of 2011  

DG ENTR / EEA / 
partners / 
International 
Organisations 

DG EAC/DG 
DEVCO/EEAS 

2012 

2nd half of 2012 

EN 

30 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
action. 

Sustainable 
development 

and 

inclusive 

economic 

Conclude  on-going  bilateral  negotiations  on 
trade  in  services  and  establishment  and 
bilateral  negotiations  or  agreements  with 
Southern  Mediterranean  Countries  on 
agricultural  ,  processed  agricultural,  fish 
and fishery products 

DG AGRI/DG 
TRADE/DG 
ENTR/EEAS/Partners

Ongoing 

Negotiate  Agreements 
for  Conformity 
Assessment  and  Acceptance  of  Industrial 
products (ACAA) providing free movement of 
sectors 
industrial  products 
through  mutual  acceptance  of  conformity 
certificates. 

specific 

in 

DG TRADE/ EEAS/ 
ENTR/ Partners 

Ongoing 

Negotiations  on  the  liberalisation  of  trade  in  services 
and  establishment  are  on-going  with  Egypt,  Israel, 
Morocco  and  Tunisia,  and  will  soon  be  launched  with 
Jordan.  

The  Agricultural  Trade  Agreement  with  Morocco  is 
pending  EP  consent.  The  Agricultural  Trade  Agreement 
with  the  Palestinian  Authority  was  signed  on  13  April 
and will be sent to the EP for consent. 

Negotiations  on  an  Agricultural  Trade  Agreement  with 
Tunisia  could  resume  as  soon  as  Tunisian  authorities 
signal  readiness.  No  other  negotiations  are  on-going 
with other Southern Mediterranean partners 

Preparations for ACAA negotiations have been on-going 
for  several  years  with  all  ENP  Southern  neighbours. 
These look at both legislative and infrastructure aspects 
in priority sectors selected by the partner country. A first 
ACAA  was  signed  with  Israel  in  2010,  and  discussions 
are  ongoing  with  other  Southern  Mediterranean 
countries,  aiming  at  launching  negotiations  as  soon  as 
possible. In the light of preparations already carried out 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
DG TAXUD 

ongoing 

DG TRADE/DEVCO 

Starting 
2011 

in  May 

DG TRADE/ EEAS/ 
Partners 

Starting  2ndhalf  of 
2011 

Make  progress  in  the  review  of  pan-Euro-
Mediterranean  preferential  rules  of  origin 
within  the  framework  of  the  single  regional 
pan-Euro-Mediterranean 
Convention 
preferential rules of origin 

on 

Implementation  of  the  working  priorities 
agreed  by  Union  for  the  Mediterranean 
Trade  Ministers  in  November  2010  and  in 
particular  the  Establishment  of  a  Euro-
Investment 
Mediterranean  Trade 
Facilitation mechanism 

and 

for 
future  DCFTA 
Start  preparations 
southern  neighbours 
negotiations  with 
in  a  process  of  democratic 
engaged 
towards 
transformation  and  committed 
economic 
reforms  and  opening.  This 
includes,  at  this  stage,  Morocco,  Tunisia, 
Egypt  and  Jordan.  On  the  basis  of  the 
progress  made  in  the  scoping  process,  the 
Commission  would  present  proposals  for 
negotiating directives to open negotiations. 

Egypt  and  Tunisia,  negotiations  with  these  countries 
could be launched in the second half of 2011. 

Preparatory  work  is  on-going.  Discussions  on  the  'list 
rules', which is the priority for Mediterranean countries, 
based  on  the  EU  position  in  the  framework  of  the  pan-
Euro-Med working group on rules of origin, will start in 
the autumn 2011. 

and 

Investment 
The  Euro-Mediterranean  Trade 
Facilitation  mechanism  will  be  an  information  tool  on 
trade  and  investment  conditions  in  the  region.  This 
project  should  encourage  regional 
integration  and 
enhance  transparency  for  economic  operators.  A  first 
meeting  in  May  will  serve  to  launch  the  setting  up  of  a 
network  of  focal  points  and  to  start  discussing  draft 
terms of reference of the technical assistance project.  

Our  shared  medium  to  long  term  objective  with  Southern 
Mediterranean partners will be the establishment of deep and 
comprehensive free trade areas, building on the current Euro-
Mediterranean  Association  Agreements  and  on  the  European 
Neighbourhood policy Action Plans and tailored-made to the 
actual  situation  and  needs  of  Southern  Mediterranean 
partners. 

Before engaging in negotiations, significant preparatory work 
will be needed with Southern Mediterranean partners in order 
to  identify  jointly  our  interests  and  needs  in  these  future 
negotiations. If the political situation allows, preparations for 
these  agreements  with  some  of  our  neighbours  could  be 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
 
Launch  dialogue  between  the  EU  and  the 
neighbouring  countries  concerning  policies, 
initiatives  and  best  practices  on  sustainable 
tourism. 

ENTR / DEVCO 

Starting in 2012 

launched during 2011. 

Capacity  building  on  all  areas  covered  by  these  negotiations 
will be necessary prior, during and after the negotiations 

The  feasibility  of  extending  some  of  the  EU  initiatives, 
knowledge  networks  and  platforms  to  MED  countries 
will  be  examined.  This  is  expected  to  spread  knowledge 
and  best  practices  on  sustainable  and  cultural  tourism 
that  would  benefit  decision-makers  on  both  sides  of  the 
Mediterranean  and  to  facilitate  business  to  business 
contacts, 
internationalisation  and 
cooperation. 

tourism  SMEs' 

by 

for 

Enterprise, 

cooperation 
the 

Euro-Mediterranean 
Strengthening 
continuing 
industrial 
Euro-Mediterranean 
implementing 
promoting 
Charter 
investment,  innovation,  technology  transfer, 
sustainable  enterprise  development  and 
encouraging  co-operation 
in  sectors  of 
to  Mediterranean 
particular 
neighbour  countries,  e.g.  textiles,  processed 
agricultural  products,  extraction  of  raw 
materials and space   

relevance 

DG ENTR / DG 
DEVCO 

2011-2012 

Proposed activities for 2011-2012  

administrative 

Horizontal  activities:  Sharing  information,  knowledge, 
tools and good practice at the regional level; improving 
the business environment to spur entrepreneurship, help 
EU  and  Mediterranean  SMEs  to  grow,  export  and 
compete in the global economy; seminars on topics such 
entrepreneurial 
as 
learning,  access  to  finance,  innovation,  public-private 
dialogue,  skills  development  and  the  SBA;.  a  new 
evaluation  of  progress  in  implementing  the  Charter;  a  
survey  on  sustainable  enterprise  development  in  MED 
countries;  draft  amendments  to  the  Charter;  opening  of  
EU  networks  and  activities  relating  to  innovation  ;  a 
Euro-Mediterranean repository of digital trades. 

simplification, 

EN 

33 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Sector-specific activities 

Textiles: Sharing best-practices and in-depth discussions 
among  key  stakeholders  on  challenges  facing  the  textile 
and clothing sector and on possible future directions and 
concrete actions to innovate the sector and to enhance its 
industrial  competitiveness  within  the  framework  of  the 
Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue on the future of the textile 
industry 

Raw materials: in 2011-2012, information will be 
exchanged on developments regarding raw materials 
which are of particular importance for countries in the 
region 

in 

Space:  A  new  EuroMed  Transport  technical  assistance 
contract  for  €  2.1M  supporti ng  the  countries  with  the 
introduction  of  EGNOS  related  services 
the 
Mediterranean region is about to start. A new EuroMed 
Transport  contract  will  be  signed  with  ESA  (European 
Space  Agency)  for  €  1.6M  to  speed  up  the  setting  up  of 
the  RIMS 
the  Mediterranean  region  and  with 
Eurocontrol  for  €  800k  to  create  a  roadmap  for  use  of 
EGNOS  in  civil  aviation.  A  new  financing  decision  to 
extend the coverage of EGNOS (European Geostationary 
Navigation  Overlay  Service)  to  Eastern  Europe,  in 
particular the complete Ukrainian territory  

in 

Promote  Euro-Med  employment  and  social 
policy dialogue, including through Euro-Med 
Social Dialogue Forum 

DG EMPL 

Starting  2nd  half 
2011 

To  be  launched  by  Euro-Med  Employment  High  Level 
Employment  Group  and  Euro-Med  Social  Dialogue 
Forum in 2nd semester 2011 

EN 

34 

EN 

 
  
inspired  by 

the  EU 
Pilot  programmes 
cohesion policy to promote economic, social 
and  territorial  cohesion  (drawing  inter  alia 
on  the  pilot  regional  development  projects 
launched under the Eastern Partnership)  

Support  the  extension  of  EBRD  mandate  to 
Egypt and other southern neighbours. 

the 

possibilities 

Explore 
joint 
programming  with  interested  member  states 
in 
democratic 
transition. 

undergoing 

countries 

for 

EEAS/DEVCO/DG 
REGIO/ DG EMPL 

Starting  2nd  half  of 
2011 

DG ECFIN 

Ongoing 

EEAS 

Starting  1st  half  of 
2011 

Regional Co-operation 

Communication  to  promote  sub-regional  co-
operation in the Maghreb 

EEAS/COM 

First half of 2012 

Enhance support for the Agadir Agreement,  

DG TRADE/DEVCO 

If so requested, the Commission will enhance its support 
for  the  Agadir  Agreement,  which  represents  the  most 
appropriate  instrument  at  this  stage  to  foster  economic 
integration  and  trade  and  investment  flows  amongst 
Southern  Mediterranean  countries,  through  technical 
support  to  the  extension  of  the  Agadir  Agreement  both 
geographically and in terms of scope (e.g. in areas such 
as  services  and  investment  or  regulatory  areas)  and 

EN 

35 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Implementation of a Mediterranean Maritime 
Strategy to enhance maritime safety, security 
and surveillance 

MARE /  MOVE 

ongoing 

through  the  continuation  of  the  support  to  the  Agadir 
Technical Unit. 

EN 

36 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
Annex 

Summary of the main elements raised by Member States and Partner Countries during 
the ENP review consultations 

This is a summary of the main elements brought up during consultations and discussions held 
by  the  Commission  so  far  in  the  context  of  the  ENP  strategic  review  exercise  (as  of  22 
November  2010.  Consultations  have  involved  EU  member  states,  ENP  partner  countries  as 
well as civil society organisations and academics from throughout the region. The summary 
below may not be fully comprehensive and does not present the views or perceptions of the 
Commission or of the European Union. 

Long-term vision 

Overall, there has been a strong affirmation of the vision, along the lines of Article 8 of the 
Lisbon Treaty, of a space involving the EU and its neighbours where political co-operation is 
as close as possible and economic integration is as deep as possible, supported by high-level 
political dialogue, legislative approximation and regulatory convergence. Clearly, the level of 
ambition each of the partners and the EU want to set for their relations will determine how far 
and how quickly we will move toward this vision. 

When it comes to economic integration, the long-term goal that has been highlighted by most 
ENP  partners  is  full  integration  in  the  EU  internal  market  once  a  sufficient  degree  of 
approximation  with  the  EU  acquis  has  been  reached  by  partner  countries  and  the  related 
administrative capacity fully developed. But this goal also raises some issues. On the EU side 
there are legitimate concerns that the extension of freedom of movement in particular should 
not  lead  to  lessened  security  within  the  EU  itself.  Partner  countries  also  point  out  that  the 
the  establishment  of  Deep  and 
reforms 
Comprehensive  Free  Trade  Areas  involve  costs  that  have  to  be  borne  well  before  their 
benefits can be reaped and for which support will be needed. 

legislative  approximation  and 

linked 

to 

The  key  to  address  such  issues  may  lie  in  a  gradual  approach  based  on  a  clearer  and  more 
rigorous  differentiation,  including  in  the  support  made  available  by  the  EU  to  partners  that 
undertake with determination the necessary reforms. 

Medium-term 

Working  towards  this  vision  means  focussing  our  medium-term  efforts  on  a  number  of  key 
issues.  

First  there  is  a  request  from  partner  countries  for  more  concerted  political  steering  in  our 
relations. We need to reflect within the EU on the best manner to address this request without 
increasing the number of formal meetings. An enhanced, continuous and substantial dialogue 
not only among Foreign Ministers but also Ministers in other sectors of close co-operation can 
help  us  address  misunderstandings  and  resolve  difficult  issues  in  a  spirit  of  confidence  and 
partnership.  

Second,  we  should  intensify  our  joint  efforts  on  democratic  standards,  the  rule  of  law  and 
human  rights,  which  are  central  to  building  a  strong  long-term  relationship  and  a  necessary 
first  step  towards  a  higher  degree  of  integration  in  the  EU  market.  There  is  clear  scope  for 
more  work  on  strengthening  the  judiciary  and  its  independence,  on  making  public 

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administration more responsive to citizens’ needs and on curbing corruption. We also need to 
strengthen the role of civil society in policy development and policy monitoring.  

Third,  we  should  seize  the  opportunity  provided  by  the  negotiations  on  Association 
Agreements (AAs) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) to encourage 
economic  reforms  that  will  promote  investments.  Deeper  co-operation  in  co-ordinating  our 
macro-economic  policies  has  also  been  highlighted  as  a  way  to  draw  the  lessons  from  the 
recent financial and economic crisis and is consistent with the external dimension of the EU’s 
own 2020 strategy. 

Fourth, we need to take a fresh look at how we can promote mobility in spite of the political 
difficulties  surrounding  this  issue.  We  need  to  give  answers  in  the  shorter  term  to  students, 
researchers  and  businessmen  whose  mobility  is  essential  to  advance  our  co-operation.  We 
should look more closely at the opportunities that the EU Visa Code offers in this respect. It 
has  also  been  suggested  that  we  could  seek  to  develop  a  broader,  win-win,  approach  to 
mobility and migration where security concerns can also be addressed.  

Fifth, we need to look at what the EU can do to help advance protracted conflicts towards a 
resolution.  Partners  are  asking  the  EU  to  be  more  active  and  to  allocate  more  resources  to 
confidence building. They expect that, with the Lisbon Treaty, the EU will be able to deploy 
all its instruments in a more coherent way.  

Sixth,  we  need  to  see  how  we  can  deepen  sectoral  co-operation  on  policies  that  flank  the 
Internal Market, particularly (but not only) in energy, transport, environment, climate change, 
education, industrial co-operation and technology transfer. The participation of partners in a 
number of EU programmes would be beneficial in this context. 

Policy and financial instruments 

To advance on these objectives we need to upgrade our policy and financial instruments.  

There is a unanimous perception that ENP Action Plans have proven their worth as a central 
policy implementation tool. There is also a strong demand for successor documents to better 
steer our joint efforts and facilitate a more effective use of resources from the national and EU 
budgets. This involves more focus, clearer sequencing and more measurable benchmarks.  

Several  proposals  have  also  been  made  to  seek  a  greater  involvement  of  partners  in  policy-
shaping. This may be an important pre-requisite to success in the long run. 

The European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) is seen as a step change in 
the  way  EU  assistance  is  delivered,  but  there  is  clear  room  for  further  improvement  and 
partner countries have asked the EU to look more closely at its pre-accession assistance for 
inspiration. Work on the successor of the ENPI could offer an opportunity to strengthen the 
link with the jointly agreed reform priorities of the ENP and to make financial support faster, 
more  efficient  and  more  flexible  in  responding  to  emerging  needs.  All  partners  have  also 
underlined  the  need  to  accompany  economic  integration,  market  opening  and  regulatory 
convergence with appropriate financial support. 

Finally,  while  there  is  broad  support  for  the  multilateral  initiatives  that  flank  our  bilateral 
relations, there are also suggestions that the scope and decision-making procedures of some of 
these may need to be revisited.  

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