Opinion: Neighbourhood at the Crossroads: Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2013

The plenary of the Committee of Regions (CoR) adopted an opinion last week on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2013. Drafted by Marshal of the West Pomerania region, Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP), the opinion calls for greater flexibility, regional funding and appropriate involvement of regional and local authorities towards the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods.

"The success of the ENP depends to a large extent on the ability and the commitment of governments to reform and deepen relations with the EU. For this, the involvement of the regional and local level both in the EU and in the ENP countries is urgently needed in order to improve the design, implementation and acceptance of the ENP on the ground. This is where the envisaged deeper relationships between the EU and the neighbourhood countries have to take root", said Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP).

Among the recommendations, the opinion emphasized a “tailor-made” approach to support democratic development in the partner countries and the need to decentralise power to regional authorities.

The opinion is a response to the Joint Communication of the European Commission to various EU institutions, including the Committee of Regions entitled “Neighbourhood at the Crossroads: Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2013.”

Opinion Paper