Brussels, 30/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - Launched in December 2006 by way of a Commission communication (EUROPE 9320), the debate on enhancing European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is now entering a new phase and opening up to other countries, as well as civil society. Through its conference on Monday 3 September, “Working Together - Strengthening the ENP”, the Commission wants to find out about ideas from governmental and non-governmental actors (representatives from the business world, media, think tanks etc) and partner countries.
Ministers from EU member states and countries affected by ENP will therefore be meeting for a day beginning with speeches by the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, the Portuguese minister for foreign affairs, Luis Amado and the Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Exchanges will be followed by two work sessions and specific workshops.
Since its launch in 2004, the ENP has helped deepen EU relations with sixteen neighbourhood countries, including twelve which have adopted action plans (Algeria, Belarus, Libya and Syria have still not done so). Although the political situation in Libya, Syria and Belarus is not propitious to it at the moment, these three countries remain eligible for the ENP. They were therefore invited and will be present at the conference as observers. Ferrero-Waldner said that it was preferable that they were not isolated and that they were aware of what they were missing. She said that these three countries could be members if they made defend political choices.
According to a Eurobarometer survey, the profile of ENP is increasing (one out of five had heard of the policy) and its objectives are approved by a broad majority of Europeans. Most people asked said that it was important or very important to cooperation with neighbouring countries of the EU in the fight against organised crime (89%), environment and energy (86%), economic development (85%), democracy (82ù), education and training (81%) and immigration (71ù). 73% of those questioned said that the EU could help promote democracy in these countries. 67% of those asked said that this kind of cooperation would allow for risks of war and conflict in Europe to be reduced and 62% said that it lessened illegal immigration. Results of the Eurobarometer study can be found at: (http: //ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm). Further information on the conference at DG Relex: (http://www.ec.europa.eu/world/enp/conferences_2007_en.htm ). (ab)