Buzek on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy

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"I strongly welcome the “more for more” approach, as requested by the European Parliament. Greater political and financial support should be available for neighbourhood countries which undertake reforms with vigour and determination and move towards a functioning democracy and market economy."

“The European Union and the citizens of our neighbourhood countries want to share the same dreams and aspirations for democracy, respect for human rights, prosperity and stability. United around common aspirations, we are stronger on the global stage.”

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Brussels, 25 May 20011

EP President Jerzy Buzek welcomes European Commission Communication on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and calls for closer partnership with EU neighbours.

President Buzek said:

"I welcome the Commission’s new approach on the European Neighbourhood Policy. I am particularly happy with the new tools announced today, such as the European Endowment for Democracy, linked to already existing EU programmes in this field. It is essential to ensure that our actions are effective in an ever changing and interdependent world. It is therefore with the spirit of true solidarity that we need to accompany our neighbours of the Southern Mediterranean and the Eastern neighbourhood countries. This will benefit all of us.

The European Union and the citizens of our neighbourhood countries want to share the same dreams and aspirations for democracy, respect for human rights, prosperity and stability. United around common aspirations, we are stronger on the global stage.

The EU’s relations with its neighbours need a thorough overhaul. The EU neighbourhood policy needs strong support and engagement from all Member States. We need an open partnership in which our citizens have a real stake. The neighbourhood policy towards both the Southern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe must focus on this priority. It must reflect the spirit of solidarity and be flexible enough to accommodate approaches tailored to each country. I strongly welcome the “more for more” approach, as requested by the European Parliament. Greater political and financial support should be available for neighbourhood countries which undertake reforms with vigour and determination and move towards a functioning democracy and market economy. Strengthening the compatibility between our systems is of crucial importance and will benefit all partners.

In the case of the Eastern Partnership, we need to give the most advanced partners a quicker path towards the EU. We have created the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly that aims to bring together experiences, ideas, best practices and shared values, all in a democratic spirit.

As regards the Southern Mediterranean, I call for a pragmatic re-launching of the Union for the Mediterranean. We have established and important parliamentary dialogue with our southern neighbours and it needs to be supported by pragmatic actions at the governmental level.

As I mentioned during my recent visits to North Africa and South Caucasus only a strong democracy can lead to long-term stability and prosperity. The revised Policy should centre on dialogue with civil society, NGOs and democratic forces in European Neighbourhood countries. Europe has a special role to play in defending human rights and our common values. This is true especially with regard to our neighbourhood, but also beyond. In this task we should be uncompromising."