The ENP in Northern Africa and the Middle East
Perceptions, Expectations and Problems
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The countries of Northern Africa and the Middle East have been integrated in the multilateral Euro-Mediterranean partnership with the European Union since 1995. The Arab states reacted to the European Neighbourhood Policy with scepticism. Nevertheless, the EU concluded agreements with Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The resulting Action Plans define fields of co-operation and reform goals. But there are numerous domestic and foreign policy factors which stand in the way of improved co-operation between the EU and North African and Middle Eastern ENP states. The opportunities in economics and development look best; by contrast, guidelines in politics and social affairs were interpreted as interference in domestic affairs and rejected.
(Osteuropa 2-3/2007, pp. 209–216)