In 2003 the EU launched a new European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) which aimed at preventing ‘the emergence of new dividing lines between the enlarged EU and its neighbours and to offer them the chance to participate in various EU activities, through greater political, security, economic and cultural co-operation […]’. The ENP offers a privileged relationship with EU neighbours based on a mutual commitment to common values in the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights (including minority rights), the promotion of good neighbourly relations, and the principles of a market economy and sustainable development.
The Action plans cover a timeframe of 3 to 5 years. They contain a set of priorities and actions in the field of democratisation, rule of law and human rights. They build on differentiated approaches where each Plan is designed in cooperation with the country and according to the degree of commitment to common values, as well as its will and capacity to implement agreed priorities. A cooperation and financial incentive is linked to the effective implementation of the Plans of a size that remains unknown.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) believes the new EU approach may have an important impact on human rights and democratisation policies in the region. It therefore launched a program to discuss the ENP, its Country reports and Action plans with its members and civil society in the region.
This report provides a summary of the proceedings of the seminar as well as key recommendations of the participants regarding the ENP in general and the Egyptian Action plan. The first part of this report summarizes the fruitful and constructive debates that took place during the sessions. Following this the general conclusions and recommendations of the seminar concerning the ENP are given. Annex 1 presents detailed recommendations on the EU-Egypt Action plan elaborated by the organizers of the seminar on the basis of its conclusions. Finally, annex 2 contains an expert analysis of the ENP with focus on Egypt and recommendations meant to further stimulate debate.