The Policy: Welcome!

C. Ashton, High Representative of the Union Commissioner for Enlargement for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and European Neighbourhood Policy Vice-President of the European CommissionŠtefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy
High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Vice-President of the European Commission		Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy


The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) since its launch in 2004 has transformed relations between the EU and its neighbours:

  • political contacts have increased in profile and intensity;
  • trade has increased at double digit rates, aided by a steady process of liberalisation and regulatory convergence,
  • mobility with certain ENP partners has been strengthened;
  • EU assistance has increased by 32 % in the Financial Framework 2007-2013.


The Lisbon Treaty commits the EU to the “development of a special relationship with neighbouring countries aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation”. For that purpose “the EU may conclude specific agreements with the countries concerned” (art. 8 TEU).

The European Neighbourhood Policy is all about working together with states that share a land or sea border with the EU, to increase the prosperity, stability and security of the EU’s neighbours in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and the South shore of the Mediterranean.

Neighbours who want to carry out reforms to improve their standards of democracy and human rights, to increase their access to the EU's single market, to improve the environment or to step up their co-operation with the EU on issues like climate change, energy, transport or migration, have the possibility to work on a joint Action Plan with the EU, and can look forward to substantial assistance: technical help, political support, and financial aid.

The ENP is a jointly owned initiative and its implementation requires action on both sides, by the neighbours and by the EU. Although much was achieved so far much also remains to be done if the ENP’s goals are to be achieved. The ENP will benefit from greater coherence thanks to the creation of the European External Action Service which will support the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Baroness Catherine Ashton and the appointment of a Commissioner specifically dealing with the Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle.