Eleven years after the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was launched, under the pressure coming from the major changes in the countries south and east of the European Union (EU), but also because of the need to achieve more in the relation with the countries part of PEV, European Commission (EC) have come up with a revision proposal for these policies.
Events in the last years proved the need of a new approach, redefining the priorities together with a new working method. The ‘one size fits all’ approach did not bring back the expected results. Western democracy were wrong and even arrogant in their beliefs that they will succeed in imposing their own values and ways of life over countries that were and sill aren’t prepared for such changes. Examples of these failures can be seen not only in North Africa, where the effect has been devastating. It is also the case of the eastern neighbourhood, in the relation between EU and Azerbaijan. Under the excessive pressure coming from the European Parliament, which passed through a record number of critical resolutions towards Azerbaijan, we witnessed an abrupt and deep degradation of the relations between the Caucasian state and the EU.
Such a policy is counterproductive in many ways, including the interest of promoting human rights. It is much more efficient to approach the relation with each partner based on common interests, while keeping in mind what differentiate us.
Romania finds itself in a favourable position from the perspectives opened by the new ENP policy, which comes with a greater focus on the individual involvement of each Member State in its implementation. Our country, considering the resources and political instruments offered by ENP, can capitalize in its relation with the neighbouring countries. By doing so, Romania can emerge as a leader in building an area of stability and prosperity around the Black Sea basin that can benefit both EU and its eastern neighbourhood. A bigger flexibility, adapting to the particularities of each bilateral relation and focusing on the common interests are the key elements available for the Romanian economic and political diplomacy.
In stabilizing conflict zones and fighting terrorism and radicalization, security policies must be backed and complemented by those who build economic development and education improvement. Values, like the respect for human rights, tolerance and liberty can much easily be promoted through education.
Universal values and education are the pillars on which modern civilization is built upon, but when neglected, extremism, intolerance and terrorism take over.
EPP Group agrees upon EC proposal and demands adapted answers, appropriate for each particular situation. This is the path towards a better security and stability not only for EU but also for both of its southern and eastern neighbours.
