EU Comission recommends inclusions of South Caucasus Three in Neighbourhood Policy

This policy, launched in June 2003, is intended to avoid the creation of new divisons on the EU's external borders, and to establish an area of "prosperity and security" through the development of enhanced relationships between the EU and beneficiary countries.

The European neighbourhood policy, as first announced last year, excluded the three republics from its scope, even as it included within the European neighbourhood the entire southern rim of the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova on its eastern border.

This policy is very much a flexible instrument, and it is still early days to assess its possible impact on the countries concerned. It is already clear however, that the inclusion among the countries targeted by the policy of the three South Caucasus republics is nevertheless clearly fundamental to their future relationship with the EU.

The final decision on the matter should be taken shortly by the EU Council of Ministers. Barring any surprises, it is likely that it should follow the recommendations of the Commission.

Links:
See also various articles on the subject in English on www.groong.usc.edu and on www.euractiv.com.