The EU's relations with Lebanon - Overview
In response to enlargement in May 2004, the European Commission adopted the “Wider Europe – Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with its Eastern and Southern Neighbours” Communication of 11 March 2003 (European Neighbourhood Policy), setting out a new framework for relations with the Southern Mediterranean, Russia and the Western Newly Independent States (NIS) – countries who do not currently have a perspective of membership but who will soon find themselves sharing a border with the Union. On 1 May 2004, the enlargement of the European Union took place with the accession of ten new Member States bringing changes to the EU’s political geography and offering new opportunities to deepen existing relations between the Union and its neighbours to the East and to the South. The Union is determined to further develop partnerships with its neighbours to mutual benefit, promoting security as well as stability and prosperity. The EU’s external borders will not become new dividing lines but the focus of enhanced co-operation.
The European Neighbourhood Policy sets ambitious objectives for partnership with neighbouring countries based on commitments to shared values and political, economic and institutional reforms. Partner countries are invited to enter into closer political, economic and cultural relations with the EU, to enhance cross border co-operation and to share responsibility in conflict prevention and resolution. The Union offers the prospect of a stake in its Internal Market and of further economic integration. The speed and intensity of this process will depend on the will and capability of each partner country to engage in this broad agenda. The policy builds upon the existing framework of co-operation. In its Decree of 27 January 2005, the Lebanese Government welcomed the European Neighbourhood Policy initiative.
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