Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiative he has taken regarding the European Union's Neighbourhood Policy. [15392/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The European Neighbourhood Policy provides an overarching framework for the EU's relations with a range of countries, some 16 in all, in its immediate proximity. These are partners with substantial interaction in various fields with the Union, and the potential for further developing this. The EU has a natural, strong interest in promoting stability and in the spread of its values in the regions close to it. Ireland shares that interest and takes an active part in the Neighbourhood Policy and its implementation.

The most recent development has been a strategic review of the European Neighbourhood Policy by the Commission and the EEAS following a mandate from the European Council. Ireland contributed to that review by way of a written response in November 2010. In that response we emphasised the importance of differentiation between our partners, and of helping when asked, but also of being careful not to impose our own precepts. We also supported a strong conditionality, rewarding greater engagement and reform efforts with greater funding and support.

These ideas are well reflected in the Communication resulting from the review by the EEAS and Commission entitled "A new Approach to a changing Neighbourhood" which was published on 25 May 2011. The joint Communication was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 June and I made the point that conditionality should be applied intelligently and that the EU should be respectful in its approach to our neighbours. The aim should be to support wherever we can, but not seek to impose solutions. Conclusions were adopted by the Council broadly endorsing the new approach, and this was in turn endorsed by the European Council at its meeting on 24 June.

Neighbourhood Policy mobilises an array of actions in support for the modernisation of neighbouring countries through reforms in return for concessions from the EU, above all in the fields of trade and freedom of travel, with the stated aim of achieving long-term stability and prosperity in the neighbourhood. Actions involving civil society, the use of the financial aid of the Neighbourhood Instrument, sectoral cooperation, and participation in EU programmes all form part of the effort.

The review and the subsequent new approach come at what has turned out to be a particularly sensitive time in terms of the Union's relations with our partners in the Southern Neighbourhood, with events of the Arab Spring making an effective and prompt EU response all the more relevant. The current Polish Presidency of the Council is putting considerable emphasis on work under the Eastern Partnership. I support them in this and in the various sectoral and Foreign Ministerial meetings planned as well as the summit in Warsaw in late September.