EU to discuss future of neighborhood policy with southern partners

The European Union (EU) is to discuss the future of European neighborhood policy with its southern partners at an informal ministerial meeting in Barcelona on April 13, the European Commission (EC) announced here in a press release.

The EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the European Commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations Johannes Hahn will co-chair the consultation.

The meeting will allow for an in-depth discussion within the framework of the ongoing consultation process on the review of the European neighborhood policy, and the situation in the southern neighborhood will also be discussed.

Out of 16 countries in the European neighborhood policy, ten of the southern partners include the countries of Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia.

"Our southern neighbors are crucial partners for some of the most pressing current challenges faced by the EU: extremism and terrorism; energy security; irregular migration and much more," said Mogherini, noting that the upcoming meeting would strengthen the cooperation for tackling the common challenges from a political, humanitarian and security point of view.

The European neighborhood policy is a key part of the EU foreign policy. Partner countries agree with the EU on a neighborhood action plan or an association agenda demonstrating their commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance, market economy principles, and sustainable development. Endit