ENPI

ENPI - The European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument

The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was developed in 2004, with the objective of avoiding the emergence of new dividing lines between the enlarged EU and our neighbours and instead strengthening the prosperity, stability and security of all concerned. In this way, it also addresses the strategic objectives set out in the December 2003 European Security Strategy.

Reference: EC website

This policy-driven instrument was launched a year ago as we entered the new EU budgetary period 2007-2013. In line with the process of "streamlining" Community financial instruments, previous funding, which was available through various programmes including TACIS (for our eastern neighbours and Russia) and MEDA (for our southern Mediterranean neighbours), as well as thematic programmes such as EIDHR (European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights), has been streamlined into a single instrument, ENPI.

The amount of EC funding available through the ENPI for the 2007-2013 period reaches up to EUR 12 billion. This shows a 32% increase compared with the finances of 2000-2006 period allocated to the beneficiary countries.

The allocation of this overall budget by country is based on Strategy Papers (2007-2013) and Indicative programmes covering country, regional and cross-border programmes, for four years (2007-2010) . However, what is central for the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy is the bilateral ENP Action Plans agreed upon between the EU and each partner comprises
political and economic reforms with short- and mediumterm priorities. The Country Strategy Papers and National Indicative Programmes must therefore contribute to the achievement of the objectives set in the ENP Action Plans.

The European Commission has set up Delegations in the ENP countries and in the Russian Federation. These structures help maintain close relations between the EU and the neighbour countries, monitoring the implementation of the cooperation agreements, and assist in  anagement of the funds. Funding opportunities and calls for proposals are announced at the home pages of the EC Delegations. It is worthwhile to note that in most cases the EU Member States can also take part in projects and tenders in partnership with the neighbour countries. Therefore it is recommended to keep an eye on the funding and partnership opportunities available around the European borders.

For a complete list of EC Delegations to ENP countries: http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/index_en.htm

ENP website

	Objectives
	Geographical Scope
	Financing
	Background Documents