The European Commission and Federica Mogherini, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, have until the autumn to present proposals to "reform" the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). Given the determination to consult extensively, the European machinery and the complexity of the issue on both the Eastern and Southern flanks, this time frame does not seem excessive.
Opinions and proposals have been streaming in since the 4 March launch of a public consultation on review of the ENP. They…
Civil society interested
The reproach comes from non-governmental organisations: the assistance granted by the EU in the context of the Eastern Partnership should be further channelled through civil society. This would help better involve civil society and the risks of corruption would be partially reduced. For the changes recommended by the Union to have a chance of succeeding, "they must come from the inside, from civil society," argues Meister (DGAP). In its 20 April conclusions, the Foreign Affairs Council "underlines the need to broaden the EU's engagement with civil society and the business community".