From Euro-Med Partnership to European Neighborhood: Deeper Integration À La Carte and Economic Development

11-07-2005
Author(s): Bernard Hoekman
Publication Number: ECES-WP103-E

Abstract:

The expansion of the European Union (EU) has prompted the development of a new approach towards deeper integration with its neighbors: the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). Following a brief discussion of the integration strategies pursued since the mid-1990s—the Barcelona Process and the associated Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP) agreements—this study describes the main elements of the ENP and discusses its potential role in enhancing implementation of the EMP. To conclude, the paper offers a summary of the key strategic options for implementing the ENP and stresses the need to integrate the ENP “menu” into partner countries’ priorities and national development strategies.