author: Giulia Semeghini
A common denominator from worldwide news reports is the situation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region which appears totally un-resolved and highly problematic. The war in Syria, the last year Gaza's crisis, the threaten Tunisia's stability and the migration and refugees emergency are just few examples that demonstrate the fragility and critical situation of the region. This awareness leads to the conclusion that the European foreign policy instruments were not so effective and even failed many of their purposes. In this context the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) plays a key role.
Since its conception in 2003, this policy should have been a relevant part of the EU Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with the aim of improving democracy, human rights, sustainable development and economic integration with all the partner countries of the Action Plan. Due to the necessity to reformulate this European approach, on the 17th of November 2015 it took place at the European Parliament a round table to start a discussion on the EU role as a peace promoter in the MENA region.
Organized by the non-governmental actors EuroMed Non-Governmental Platform, Arab NGO Network for Development and SOLIDAR, who have monitored the implementation of the ENP during the last years, the debate was focused in particular on the consideration of a comprehensive EU approach to peacebuilding and State-building including the promotion of human rights and security. “What can the EU do to concretely promote human security?”, “How can the EU work with local, regional and international actors to advance peace in the region?”; these are just some of the questions that started this debate.
Since its conception in 2003, this policy should have been a relevant part of the EU Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa region, with the aim of improving democracy, human rights, sustainable development and economic integration with all the partner countries of the Action Plan. Due to the necessity to reformulate this European approach, on the 17th of November 2015 it took place at the European Parliament a round table to start a discussion on the EU role as a peace promoter in the MENA region.
Organized by the non-governmental actors EuroMed Non-Governmental Platform, Arab NGO Network for Development and SOLIDAR, who have monitored the implementation of the ENP during the last years, the debate was focused in particular on the consideration of a comprehensive EU approach to peacebuilding and State-building including the promotion of human rights and security. “What can the EU do to concretely promote human security?”, “How can the EU work with local, regional and international actors to advance peace in the region?”; these are just some of the questions that started this debate.
