On 23rd July, an international consultation with think-tanks and CSO representatives in the framework of ’s Global Foreign Policy Strategy Review “The EU in a changing global environment: What next for Europe’s Neighbours ” took place on 23 July in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event which included participation and discussion with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Frederica Mogherini focused mainly on exchanging opinion on EU’s Neighbourhood and Enlargement policy.
In this, the participants showed optimism that difference in conducting relations with its neighbours, demonstration power and role of the EU vis-à-vis Russia in EU Neighbourhood should bring about increased attractiveness and transformation of Neighbourhood countries. While termed unfinished business, the Enlargement policy and commitment need to be strengthened so that the attractiveness and transformation power is not lost for the current accession countries. CSO representatives, among them Tanja Hafner Ademi, Executive Director of BCSDN, insisted on EU clarifying whether it is resorting to more stability then democracy measures, and HR Mogherini insisted that credibility, trust and shift in mentality in EU capitals is needed for the Enlargement process not to be lost in the next 4 years.