Strasbourg, 15/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has “doubt” about the meaningfulness of the geographic scope of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP). Is it really appropriate to bring together, in a single policy, countries which, from a geographical point of view, are European and non-European Mediterranean countries, wondered MEPs in the report by Charles Tannock (EPP-ED, UK) and Raimon Obiols i Germa (PES, Spain) on strengthening the ENP, adopted on 15 November. While acknowledging that it would be unrealistic to overturn this political framework, MEPs said there should be greater differentiation between the 16 countries involved (Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine). While retaining common objectives, the ENP should, in future, take greater account of the specific characteristics of the regions and countries involved. The EP also backs enhanced free trade agreements with all the ENP countries.
Eastern Europe. Democratic countries which are “clearly identifiable as European” and which respect the rule of law may apply for membership of the EU, Parliament says. Negotiations currently being carried on with Ukraine were likely to result in an association agreement, ahead of possible future accession. A similar approach could apply to Moldova, MEPs say. Belarus has the same aims and the same prospects for European accession as Ukraine and Moldova, on condition that it opts for democracy and the rule of law. The EP also calls for specific enhanced cooperation to be put in place between the EU and the Central Asian countries. Given Kazakhstan's important political, economic and energy role, it should be the first to benefit from this strengthened relationship. To enhance the ENP's parliamentary dimension in Eastern Europe, the EP proposes the creation of an EU-Neighbourhood East Parliamentary Assembly (EURO-NEST).
Southern Mediterranean. MEPS call on the Commission to give deeper consideration to the various possible options for the next generation of general agreements with southern ENP countries. On the trade level, the EU should allow Mediterranean countries the right to decide for themselves the speed of trade opening and their economic and social policies, the EP says. It also reaffirms the need for closer links, including through new relations, with the countries neighbouring neighbours, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council. (H.B.)