The Construction of Ambiguity and the Limits of Attraction: Europe and its Neighbourhood Policy (in Special Issue: The Future of European Foreign Policy)

Abstract: The introduction of the EU's Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was a response to competing demands that have resulted in compromise and ambiguity. The EU's enlargement of 2004 shifted the focus eastwards towards new areas of instability in Eastern Europe. The need to balance that newer concern with the problematic Barcelona Process led to proposals for 'a ring of friends', from Morocco to Moldova, extended — especially under the influence of new member states — to include the Southern Caucasus. The resulting ambiguities of purpose, to halt further enlargement for those potentially eligible, while simultaneously encouraging all the 'partners' to accept liberalization, democratization and convergence on the EC's acquis, have, arguably, not won the European Union any great leverage with the new partners. This article looks at the rationalization of member states' aims and their interaction with the Commission, largely responsible for framing the policy, as well as to how the ENP fits with the EU's foreign policy ambitions.