THE EUROPEAN – SECURITY AND DEFENCE UNION
In the Spotlight
+++ Neigbourhood & Enlargement+++
Exporting stability or importing instability – this is the question
Global stability through the EU’s neighbourhood and enlargement policies
by Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Brussels
We live in uncertain times. Our continent has experienced multiple crises in the last few years, the effects of which are still ongoing; the financial crisis, the migration crisis, the conflicts in Syria, Libya and Ukraine to name but a few. Add to this the threat posed by terrorist and criminal networks, and it becomes clear that Europe´s prosperity and security cannot be entirely separated from that of its neighbours. It is fairer, easier – and far more cost-effective – to actively help our neighbours become more resilient. The European Union’s Neighbourhood and Enlargement policies lie at the core of these efforts.
Johannes Hahn has been European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and Enlargement Negotiations since 2014. He obtained his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Vienna in 1987 and joined the Austrian Managers Association as secretary general followed by managerial functions in different areas of Austrian industry. In 1992, Mr Hahn was appointed executive director of the Austrian’s People Party. Between 1996 and 2003, he was a member of the Vienna regional parliament and afterwards a member of the Vienna re-
Exporting stability or importing instability?
gional government before becoming Minister for Science and
These two policies are intrinsically linked. Their overall objective is achieving stability at Europe’s borders, by helping neighbouring countries develop stable democratic institutions and, at the same time, to become more prosperous. We believe that placing emphasis on the establishment and proper functioning of democratic institutions, a strong and active civil society and economic reforms which boost investment, jobs and growth is a game changer for any society. This concept underlines also the relevance of both the European neighbourhood and enlargement policies for the European Union. You could sum it up in one sentence: we have the choice of exporting stability or importing instability. The decision is clear and we are implementing it through cooperation with our neighbours, be it candidate countries or partner countries in our neighbourhood. When it comes to enlargement policy, the accession perspective is a major incentive driving reform processes. It is very much in our own interest to help transform these countries. By working on reforms with our partners, we create security, stability and prosperity for both, them and ourselves. Our commitment and the countries’ own efforts are already paying off. For example, Serbia and Montenegro are moving ahead with their
Research in 2007. In the previous term, Mr Hahn was European Commissioner for Regional Policy.
accession negotiations and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has finally overcome its political crisis with overall fair elections and the formation of a new government.
Stronger joint ownership and more flexibility Let us now focus on the EU’s neighbourhood policy: in 2015, we carried out a major review, which resulted in a new approach that ensured stronger joint ownership and more flexibility by recognising the different aspirations and diversity of our 16 partner countries. The reviewed neighbourhood policy provides all the necessary tools to reach out to partner countries on key issues such as good governance, rule of law, democracy and human rights; economic development (including trade, employment, transport and connectivity, energy security and climate action); security; migration and mobility. As with the enlargement countries, the EU’s interest is in the stabilisation
prosperity and security cannot be entirely separated from that “Europe’s of its neighbours.”
Johannes Hahn
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