A shy, very shy Arab turn in European politics
The 27 Heads of State and Government of the European Union found on their table a communication from the European Commission on the new partnership " for democracy and shared prosperity” that Europe must establish with the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean. “The will to organize free, fair and appropriately controlled elections will constitute the condition for joining the partnership”. A partnership that symbolizes for the European executive a long-term action vis-à-vis the events that affect the Mediterranean rim. A little more money on the table, conditional on more democracy and respect for human rights, but a policy of assistance to the rule of law and security, to say the least, in its infancy.
A little more money...
The partnership innovates in the new use of certain funds. With the envelope of 4 billion euros, already available within the framework of the European Neighborhood Instrument, it is nearly 6 billion euros which could be devolved, in the future, to the region, coming from the European Investment Bank (with the Euro-Mediterranean and Partnership Facility = 1 billion) and a new loan envelope of 1 billion Euros to be approved by the 27. The EBRD, which is not currently present in the countries of the southern Mediterranean, could also extend its operations subject to the modification of its statutes and therefore the agreement of its shareholders (61 countries, EU and EIB). Rather than a new envelope, there is recycling. But above all a stricter conditioning of the funds than before.
... but above all a more important condition (democracy and human rights)
This partnership will no longer be based on relatively vague criteria. But from a set of minimum criteria against which the results obtained will be assessed”. " The will to organize free, fair and appropriately supervised elections will constitute the condition for joining the partnership. A "reinforced political dialogue" will be initiated, bilaterally, at all levels, as soon as "local conditions allow it, with particular emphasis on human rights and the obligation to render accounts on the political plan. »
Consequences for security policy
This partnership also means - explains the communication from the Commission - "closer cooperation" in the framework of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and "a greater number of joint actions in international fora" on of common interest. The EU continues “to be committed to the peaceful settlement of conflicts existing within States and between States of the region and to encourage it ».
NB: Written with the help of Maxence PeniguetCommentary: a strategic oversight, a political error!
It can be noted that in this partnership, although established by both the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, nothing concrete is mentioned in terms of security partnership. The African Peace Initiative in particular is totally absent. Similarly, assistance or reinforcement of the rule of law, security sector reforms as undertaken in Congo or Somalia, or with the training cycle Amina Africa / Eurorecamp is completely absent.
An absence that is not justifiable given the evolution of the African situation and the strategic interest of these issues. This is a strategic mistake in my opinion. There will be no development without security and no security without development, repeats all officials familiar with the region. One has the impression that the Commission and the High Representative have lost sight of this axiom.
