The drafting and negotiations of these Action Plans is currently underway
Plans, once agreed, should supersede existing arrangements to become the Union’s main policy
document for relations with these countries over the medium term. They will form the basis for
new ‘neighbourhood agreements’ between the two sides
Searching for symptoms
At first glance, the European Neighbourhood Policy seems to be a promising development in the
EU’s foreign policy. It represents a comprehensive and progressive approach to dealing with the
implications of enlargement and with the challenges and opportunities that Europe’s new
neighbours raise. It is based on a quid pro quo relationship between the EU and its neighbours,
which should have positive implications for both sides. In this sense the ENP appears as the
latest application of Europe’s ‘civilian’ foreign policy model. But is the ENP really consistent
with the ‘benevolent’ spirit underlying this model? A critical analysis of the form and content of
the initiative suggests that, in many respects, it is not.
The first element that stands out in the initiative is the unprecedented role that security
issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, and terrorism play in it. References to these
‘threats’ were only marginally present in previous EU arrangements with its neighbours
.
Limiting their negative consequences while at the same time addressing their root causes has
become a priority in EU’s foreign policy. This policy shift is noticeable from the presentation of
9
Draft Action Plans with a first group of ENP partner countries were presented by the Commission on 9 December
2004. As of March 2006, seven ENP Action Plans have been negotiated and formally adopted (with Israel, Jordan,
Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Ukraine).
10
These agreements are not intended to replace existing contractual relations (i.e. Partnership and Association
Agreements), but could come in at a later point to supplement them. The full implementation of the provisions
contained in the existing Agreements remains a necessary precondition for any new development.
11
An exception is represented by the agreements with Russia and the Ukraine. For the latter, the EU established an
Action Plan for Justice and Home Affairs in December 2001. The agreements with Russia have focused on matters
related to illegal border crossing, the return of illegal Russian, immigrants and visa policy. (Guild 2005)
8
Convention