The European Neighbourhood Policy
EIB operations in the Eastern Partnership Countries are carried out in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) developed in 2004 and reinforced in 2007. The main purpose of the ENP is to avoid the emergence of new dividing lines between the enlarged EU and its neighbours and instead strengthen the prosperity, stability and security of all concerned.
Under this framework, the EU offers its neighbours a privileged relationship, building upon a mutual commitment to a deeper political alliance and economic integration. The central element of the ENP is the bilateral ENP Action Plan agreed between the EU and each partner. This sets out an agenda of political and economic reforms with short and medium-term priorities, with financial support being channelled through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI).