Europe's Near Abroad: Promises and Prospects of the EU's Neighbourhood Policy

Mahncke, Dieter / Gstöhl, Sieglinde (eds.), Brussels, P.I.E. Peter Lang, 2008, College of Europe Studies, vol. 4 (318 p.), [ISBN 978-90-5201-047-2] pb.

In the context of the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 the European Union needed a concept for the future relationship with its new neighbours. The result was the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). In return for sharing European values and effectively implementing political, economic and institutional reforms, the EU offers economic incentives and closer ties to its eastern and southern neighbours. The ambitious objective of promoting stability, security and prosperity beyond its own borders raises questions about the Union’s intentions, means and likely success.

This volume analyses the logic and institutional origins of the ENP and provides a critical assessment of the promises and prospects of the EU’s broader neighbourhood policies. It does so both from an issue-oriented perspective (e.g. security, visa policy, trade, aid, human rights, good governance) and a regional standpoint: eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Western Balkans and Russia. The book is the result of a cooperation between the Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies and the Department of European Political and Administrative Studies. The contributions are written by the editors, Dieter Mahncke and Sieglinde Gstöhl, and a team of ten Academic Assistants.