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: