Brussels, 07/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday a Commission spokesperson said that he was confident that the Commission would adopt during its weekly meeting (which as an exception will be on Thursday instead of Wednesday) the first action plans for implementing European neighbourhood policy (ENP), including that for Ukraine, which is currently experiencing an unprecedented political crisis. Current turbulence in Kiev did not in the end lead the Commission to amend any of the action plan contents with Ukraine, but it did stress respect for democratic principles and human rights.
The six other countries are: Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan the Palestinian Authority and Israel. In the context of Israel, there are still some language problems involving the editing of some of the passages (notably that on the non-proliferation of arms of mass destruction) but these are about to be resolved, explained a spokesperson. Actions plans are for between three and five years according to the country. They are tailor made to the needs and circumstances of each beneficiary country and aims to implement the planned cooperation included in the association and partnership cooperation agreements that are already in force with these countries.
Action plans adopted on Thursday by the Commission would be submitted for approval with EU foreign affairs ministers meeting on 13 December at the "External Relations" Council.