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  • European Neighbourhood Policy: Azerbaijan

    European Neighbourhood Policy: Azerbaijan

    Reference: IP/05/238 Date: 02/03/2005


    IP/05/238

    Brussels, 2 March 2005

    European Neighbourhood Policy: Azerbaijan
    The European Commission is recommending a significant intensification of
    relations with Azerbaijan, through the development of an Action Plan under
    the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). This recommendation is based on
    the Commission's Country Report published today, which provides a
    comprehensive overview of the political and economic situation in Azerbaijan
    and the state of its bilateral relations with the European Union. The ENP
    goes beyond the existing Partnership and Co- operation Agreement to offer
    the prospect of an increasingly close relationship with the EU, involving a
    significant degree of economic integration and a deepening of political
    cooperation. It is now for the Council of Ministers to decide the next
    steps.

    Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy,
    Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commented `The European Neighbourhood Policy gives
    us an opportunity to take relations with Azerbaijan up a gear. I very much
    hope that the Council will give the go ahead to negotiate an Action Plan, so
    that we can work out a joint agenda for action in the coming years. Progress
    in our relationship will reflect the efforts and successes of the country
    itself'.

    In June 2004, Azerbaijan (together with Armenia and Georgia) was included in
    the European Neighbourhood Policy, at its request and following a
    recommendation made by the European Commission. The Commission was invited
    to report on progress made by each country with regard to political and
    economic reforms. Today, the Commission provides an assessment of bilateral
    relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, reflecting progress under the
    existing Partnership and Co-operation Agreement and describing the current
    situation in areas of particular interest for the ENP partnership: the
    development of political institutions based on the values - democracy, the
    rule of law, human rights - enshrined in the Agreement; regional stability
    and co-operation in justice and home affairs; and economic and social
    reforms that will create new opportunities for development and
    modernisation, for further liberalisation of trade and for gradual
    participation in the Internal Market.

    Key objectives for an Action Plan should include:

    Strengthening the rule of law, democratic structures and pluralism (improved
    institutional division of powers, reform of local self government) and
    strengthening of electoral legislation and processes so as to enhance
    democratic election standards
    Implementation of effective reform in field of rule of law (judiciary, law
    enforcement agencies)
    Enhanced protection of human rights and of freedom and independence of the
    media
    Increased efforts towards a balanced development of the overall economic
    system
    Improvements in the business climate as well as public sector modernisation
    Reform of tax and customs administrations and legislation
    Effective combating of corruption and fraud
    Increased transparency in the management of oil revenues and in the
    privatisation process
    Progress in poverty reduction, sustainable development and environmental
    protection
    Progress in WTO accession
    Progress in conflict resolution and enhanced regional cooperation.
    Prudent macroeconomic policies need to be maintained to support effective
    implementation of an Action Plan.

    For more information on the European Neighbourhood Policy:

    http://europa.eu.int/comm/world/enp/index_en.htm
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