Brussels, 03/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 3 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, and Commissioners for Enlargement Stefan Füle, and Development Andris Piebalgs put forward their proposals for improving EU support to countries undergoing major political, social and economic reforms. The proposals - in the form of a joint communication - aim at “better mobilising the full range of available EU tools to support transition countries in their reforms, and to help them avoid backsliding”, the Commission says. It adds that the underlying principle of the proposals is ownership by the country - the EU's response needs to be based on the needs and reform agenda as defined by the partner country.
In order to improve the EU's action, a joint mission of different EU services should therefore be swiftly deployed in the early stages of a transition, to assess the needs and tailor a response to the specific situation. The support also needs to combine long-term strategies with tangible short-term results, such as the facilitation of credible elections, support for job creation and growth programmes, and strengthening peace and security. Ashton, Füle and Piebalgs also highlight that the use of incentives, constraints and conditionalities can contribute to progress - for example, by using “more for more”.
The Commission should also set up a broader platform or network on issues of democratic transformation in order to further enhance knowledge-sharing and development capacities, Ashton, Füle and Piebalgs say. A twinning system between public institutions of donors and partner countries could be another tool for improving access to knowledge.
The high representative and the commissioners also advocate setting up mechanisms to ensure that the voices of civil society and stakeholders are effectively heard in reform processes.
Lastly, Ashton, Füle and Piebalgs want the EU and member states “to act as one” and cooperate better in order to ensure improved impact of the EU's action. Better cooperation between the countries of the region concerned and the regional and international organisations is also needed. (CG/transl.fl)