Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea wrote an op-ed on European Union’s review of its European Neighbourhood Policy which Mediamax publishes on exclusive basis.

The European Union believes its partnership with Armenia is extremely important, and we are keen to continue deepening relations. Over the past ten years, our partnership with Armenia has been conducted in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, which has been the basis for our cooperation with countries around the European Union borders. 

But the European Neighbourhood Policy has not always been able to offer adequate responses to the changing aspirations of our partners. And therefore, the European Union’s own interests have not been fully served either.

That is why the European Union has launched a far-reaching review of this policy. During the informal Gymnich meeting of Foreign Ministers in Riga on 6th – 7th March the High Representative Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy Johannes Hahn launched a four month consultation with all our partners on the way forward.

In the review I believe we need to look at four key points: 

First: what can we do increase the scope for differentiation in the way we work with our partners?  Some partners in the east are embarking on association and deep trade agreements – and while the scope of these has not been exhausted, they aspire to more. We have partners in the south who are equally willing to work in the framework of very demanding agreements with us.  And we have a range of partners in both the east and the south, who have varying wishes to interact with us. On top of all this, we need to work out how to work with the neighbours of our neighbours.

All this calls for some new ways of working. We need to do more to recognise that our partners are very diverse.  Not just different east and south, but within the east and within the south.

2) This brings me to ownership. We will never get the best from this policy unless it is a partnership actively chosen by both sides – a partnership of equals. The new European Neighbourhood Policy must reflect the views and experience of our partners. And we need to ensure that we are concentrating on areas where both sides have shared interests to pursue.

I believe that to achieve greater ownership among our partners we will need to bring more visible results with tangible benefits for their populations. People want to see results within a shorter timeframe, in order to understand if a policy has paid off. 

3)  My third point is therefore focus: I want to get away from the current model where we try to cover a very wide range of sectors with every partner.  For those that want, and who are able, we should continue to pursue wide-ranging cooperation, helping the country align with the European Union standards.  But, for those who can't, or do not want to engage with us so deeply, let's explore other formats of cooperation.

Trade and mobility have been the traditional focus points: I want us to consider some that have been neglected in some ways up to now – for example energy – both our energy security and that of our partners;  and threats to security from organised crime to the frozen conflicts. 

4) Lastly, we need to be more flexible: this means being able to react to changing circumstances, and crises when they arise.

These are just some of the ideas that you will find in the consultation paper that is now on the Delegation's website. We are determined to consult as widely as possible, to design a policy that is really fit for purpose.

Some people ask whether all this talk of pursuing interests means that we are giving up on our values. The answer is very clearly no. The promotion of democracy, human rights and rule of law is a defining characteristic of the European Union.   

It is my view that the values that are at the core of the European Union are also in the own interests of Armenia. I will give you an example: rule of law is key to attracting outside investment. An independent judiciary and a system where justice is free from corruption is not only a value in itself, but it is also a key factor in the economic development of a country, indispensable to creating an environment for growth.

Let's make no mistake: our current and future well-being is deeply interconnected with conditions in the wider region. Reaching the full potential of the relations with Armenia, building more robust relations with them, will make all our countries safer, better places to live. 

Traian Hristea

Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia

Useful links

•    Press release "Towards a new European Neighbourhood Policy: the EU launches a consultation on the future of its relations with neighbouring countries" 

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4548_en.htm?locale=en

•    Joint consultation paper ''Towards a new European Neighbourhood Policy:

http://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/consultation/consultation.pdf

•    Consultation webpage:

http://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/consultation/index_en.htm

•    European Commission website on Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations:

http://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement