A stronger European neighbourhood policy (ENP) as the key to a more secure Europe?

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine to what extent the EU has been able to manage the challenges that the new neighbourhood poses. The author examines how adequately the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) tackles new security threats such as migration, terrorism and instability around the Union's new neighbourhood. An attempt is also made to see as to whether the ENP can satisfy the needs and aspirations of the countries sharing the enlarged EU borders with particular attention given to the Eastern Dimension. The question the author seeks to answer is to what extent, if any, is the ENP and adequate replacement to full membership and how far are neighbouring countries ready to go with regards to reform with the prospect of joining the Union ruled out at the start. Security takes the form of stability around the newly extended borders of the EU and is attained through the promotion of EU values and standards. An attempt is made to analyse what possible enhancements could be added to the ENP in order to make it a strong instrument for foreign policy in its own right. An attempt is made to see how far the relationship between the EU and its new neighbours can go without actually reaching accession.