Brussels, 25/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Speaking to the EP foreign affairs committee on Wednesday to highlight the good results in Morocco and Ukraine of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner nonetheless stressed the need not to overload this policy, which extends to 16 countries around the eastern and southern edge of Europe.
Ms Ferrero-Waldner told Ignacio Salafranca (EPP-ED, Spain) that, before the end of February, the Commission would adopt a communication on cooperation with the Black Sea countries, including Turkey and Ukraine, and, by March or April, would adopt another communication on governance. Among the Commission's recent proposals for improving the ENP (see EUROPE 9320), there is a “governance” facility, with a budget of €300 million, the aim of which is to reward and support the ENP countries which have made the greatest progress in implementing the reform programme agreed with the EU in their action plan. There is expected to be progress on this matter under Portuguese presidency, she added. She felt that, although there might be “quasi balance” between the countries of the East and of the South within the ENP, she did not feel that others could be added, stating that “there isn't enough money”. She told MEPs, “If you want to ask (for money) from governments … I would be delighted”. No comment can yet be made on Ukraine's future prospects of accession to the EU, but already Kazakhstan can be ruled out of the ENP, Ms Ferrero-Waldner told Charles Tannock (EPP-ED, United Kingdom). “Yes, Kazakhstan is an important neighbour, but it is the neighbour of a neighbour,” she stressed, preferring to enter discussions on a specific agreement with this country. She added, “I cannot open a Pandora's box”, because there would be more and more requests, but resources, and also what is at stake politically, would not allow it.
The future of Kosovo will soon be among the first proposals of the UN special envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, which will then be discussed with stakeholders (Serbs, Kosovars and the international community) around the end of February, Ms Ferrero-Waldner then stated.
In response to Marie Anne Isler Béguin (Greens/EFA, France), who spoke of the attitude of Moscow which is concerned about the effect that a non-negotiated decision accepted by Belgrade would have on the situation of other regions in conflict (Georgia for example), the commissioner recalls: “We refute the argument that draws a parallel between Kosovo and other conflicts”.
The partnership between the EU and Russia may well be a “priority issue”, but it is a “road that is full of pitfalls and we must make Russia understand our concerns about human rights”, Ms Ferrero-Waldner said. She went on to stress that the new partnership and cooperation agreement “reflects the principles of the Energy Charter”, namely transparency, reciprocity, and non-discriminatory cooperation measures. When it comes to energy, the EU must cooperate “not only with producer countries but also with transit countries, as well as with the major consumers and the main greenhouse gas emitters”, she said.
In the Middle East, the Commission is preparing to act within the framework of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM), providing in particular a further €35 million for social allocations to Palestinians, as well as the opening of more border crossing points, and more aid to the institutions but not necessarily for the security services under President Abbas, the commissioner said. Although member states and Arab nations are reflecting on this possibility, it is, she says, “difficult to enter the security sector” with TIM, which covers civilian aspects.
“The Commission will totally support sanctions (against Zimbabwe) if the Council takes a unanimous decision to do so”, the commissioner said. Current sanctions expire in February and member states must take a stance between now and then on possible renewal. (ab)