Some considerations on the intergovernmental dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy

Abstract:

This paper aims to shed some light on the implications of the intergovernmental approach on the inception and evolution of the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy. Although initially projected as a new community policy based on a called-for common, unitary vision on the neighbours, the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was (and still is) directly influenced by the interests and particular actions of several EU member states.

Since its conception and through its developing initiatives, especially in the Eastern part (i.e. the Eastern Partnership), the role of national interests has been high in articulating the policy. Analysts often criticize the impetuous national behaviour that surpasses the community objectives in shaping the policy.

The success or failure of the ENP depends not only on the capacity of the member states to put the Union’s interest above all, but also on the capability of the ENP partner states to profit from the ‘privileged relations’ offered, in the absence of the ultimate incentive – the accession perspective. For the policy to succeed, the EU has to do more than theoretically transfer its values and norms onto its partners. A policy based on differentiation, according to specific country progress would be the best solution for the EU neighbouring area.