
6 Priorities of the European Neighbourhood Policy
The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) provides a framework for European Union (EU) relations with 16 countries in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean (Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, the Palestinian Autonomy, Syria, Tunisia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine). This year (for the first time since 2011) the EU started revising the neighbourhood policy in order to find better tools for more effective cooperation. The EU allocates EUR 15.4 billion to the ENP development in 2014-2020. Cooperation under the programme includes numerous areas, yet some areas are priority.
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The EU and its neighbours share a strong common interest in promoting trade, as well as inclusive and sustainable economic development. Both sides are also interested in enhancing job opportunities in areas ranging from traditional rural livelihood to research and digital markets.
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All programme participants also have strong shared interests in improving connectivity (notably in the fields of sustainable transport and energy) and increasing energy security and efficiency.
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Stability is a prerequisite for working together on enhanced prosperity, therefore the EU needs to do more together with its partners to address the security threats that arise from conflict situations, organised crime and terrorism.
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The EU neighbours face governance challenges. Ensuring rule of law, human rights and democracy are first and foremost key for their own citizens. By increasing legal certainty, governments address issues that are important for domestic and foreign investors, such as fighting corruption and fraud, strengthening public finance management based on international standards, etc.
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Migration and mobility is another key area of cooperation for the EU and its partners. Enhancing mobility, especially for education, scientific, cultural, training and professional purposes, has positive effects on economies and societies alike. Thus, tackling human trafficking and illegal migration is a common challenge for the ENP participants.
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And the last ENP priority is increasing engagement with young people in neighbouring countries through programs including educational exchanges, since young people play a major role in developing a common vision for the EU future.
Details may be found here