The European Union shares its borders with countries facing many challenges. It cannot afford to be indifferent to the arc of instability that runs from Belarus to North Africa, passing through Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East.

With the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the EU has reached out to its neighbours to increase their prosperity and stability, indirectly improving security across Europe. The policy goes beyond existing relationships. It offers a deeper political relationship and economic integration as well as a strengthened co-operation through gradual adoption of European norms. It presents every neighbour country the opportunity to engage with the EU while following its own path. Those who want to advance relations through the ENP are already seeing their commitment matched with new opportunities in terms of assistance: technical help, political support, and more aid money. 

Yet, how effective is the policy? How committed are the involved parties? And do these funds achieve concrete results for the security of our boarders and welfare of our neighbours?

This intensive briefing scheduled in Brussels and Chisinau provides journalists an opportunity to discover more in-depth the current state of play of the ENP. 

Meetings with key EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts and discussions with correspondents will help participants’ gaining a comprehensive overview on three different matters: the ENP policy, the EU relations with the visited neighbouring country and its internal political and economical situation.