Brussels, 03/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The United Kingdom has given its support to the idea launched on Wednesday by President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso to conclude a “pact for democracy and shared prosperity” with North African countries and to considerably strengthen the political and democratic conditions underpinning European neighbourhood policy (ENP). This development was announced by British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in Brussels on 2 March. This subject will also be at the heart of the special European Council on 11 March. Following a meeting with Catherine Ashton, Clegg declared that “we must raise our ambitions for the European neighbourhood policy” and explained that the instruments, institutions and policies that they implemented in North Africa and the Middle East had to be subject to a significant root and branch review. The number two in the British government, a former Liberal MEP, also met Herman Van Rompuy and Barroso. Until now, relations between the EU and North African countries have been subject to minimum conditions. Europe had not even been able to ensure these conditions were being respected. Clegg emphasised that “we have failed because we did not express our belief in the values of open societies” and because the EU had cooperated with governments that had not supported European values and ideals, apart from in their declarations but had ultimately failed to deliver in practice. He also said that with the fall of these regimes “we now have a chance to work with partners who want our help, share our values and want a genuine partnership”. The British deputy prime minister insisted that the EU had to radically overhaul its policy with regard to North Africa and also “has to develop a strong, enticing offer that lies between warm words and blank cheques at one extreme, and full EU membership at the other.” (H.B./transl.fl.)