Features of the European neighbourhood policy
The European neighbourhood policy (ENP) governs the EU's relations with 16 of the EU's closest eastern and southern neighbours.
In terms of economic policy, the European neighbourhood policy offers
- preferential trade relations
- a stake in the EU internal market
- improved infrastructure connections with the EU in particular in energy, transport and telecommunications
- the possibility to participate in a number of EU programmes
- increased financial and technical assistance
Financial assistance for neighbourhood countries
In addition to regular development cooperation assistance, neighbourhood countries are also eligible for macro-financial assistance (MFA). MFA is a form of emergency financial assistance for countries experiencing a balance of payments crisis.
Partner countries
- agree to an agenda of medium-term political and economic reforms set out in action plans
- hold regular economic policy discussions with the European Commission