Human rights dialogues in the Mediterranean Region: Mechanisms of the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy

In recent years, the EU has shown a clear preference for positive rather than coercive instruments to promote human rights beyond its borders. The EU addresses human rights issues with its political partners. As far as its Mediterranean Partners are concerned the EU is engaged in political dialogues at various levels. In general, these dialogues have been characterized by a lack of specific rules regarding how they work and by their lack of transparency. The launching of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is intended to improve on previous policies. The most notable initiatives include the progressive creation of Sub-committees on human rights with the Southern Mediterranean countries.