The European Commission published the European Neighbourhood Policy reports for Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Palestine, Syria and Ukraine.
In Algeria, Commission stressed that there is a perception of a continued lack of judicial independence and the situation seems to have deteriorated with respect to the freedom of association and assembly. Moreover, Commission stressed that investing in human capital (education, training, employment and health) and creating effective employment opportunities (notably among young people and women) will be crucial to strengthen sustainable and inclusive growth in Algeria over the next years and to maintain social peace.
For Armenia, the Commission said that the country addressed some of the key recommendations contained in last year's ENP progress report. The government of Armenia notably adopted a law on equal rights and opportunities for men and women which, however, lacks a mechanism for complaints. Moreover, there were limited developments regarding reforms in the public administration and in the judiciary. Nevertheless, preparatory works were undertaken to proceed with reforms about the electoral legislation, the fight against corruption and the Human Rights protection.
ENP report for Azerbaijan stressed that very little progress was seen on democratic governance and human rights reform. The organisation of presidential elections raised serious concerns, as significant problems were identified, including limitations in the freedom of expression, assembly and association that did not guarantee a level playing field for candidates. However, the Strategic Energy Partnership with Azerbaijan was strengthened as steps were taken in view of the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor which should reinforce the European energy security.
In regard with Belarus the Commission said that there is a lack of progress in human rights, as well as repression of civil society and democratic opposition. Still the European Dialogue for Modernisation with Belarusian society is now further supported by a new two-year project.
For Egypt, the European body underlined that due to the political developments, Egypt did not address key recommendations contained in last year's ENP progress report, with the exception of the signature of the regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin.
Commission also confirmed that Georgia made significant progress in implementing visa facilitation and readmission agreements, and continued to implement reforms in areas related to mobility in a secure environment.
On the other hand, Israel, addressed some of the key recommendations from last year report. Commission announced that the EU underlined its full backing for the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in August 2013 and reiterated its support for a two state solution based on an agreement on all final status issues, offering a Special Privileged partnership to both parties in case of such an agreement.
For Jordan, the main issue remains the continuous waves of refugees coming from Syria. The EU, acknowledging the severe impact of the crisis, has provided over the last two years more than EUR 225 million of humanitarian and development aid to Jordan, in support of the refugees and the host communities.
In addition, despite the political, security and refugee crisis affecting Lebanon , the report stressed that the country remained committed throughout 2013 to a strong level of engagement with the EU.
In regard with Libya, the Commission stressed that the EU is a key partner supporting Libya in the transition process through a comprehensive programme focusing on support to public administration, migration, civil society, social services and security. "The EU will continue to seek to re-launch negotiations for a comprehensive agreement with Libya which will normalise relations in a mutually beneficial legal framework," Commission stressed.
The EU body also congratulated the Republic of Moldova, because in 2013 the country addressed many of the key recommendations contained in last year’s ENP progress report.
For Palestine, Commission underlined that the Israeli occupation and the restrictions it imposes are heavily hindering Palestinian economic development and remain the biggest obstacle to reforms, especially to the PA's financial sustainability.
The ongoing war in Syria was the main issue for the EU regarding the neighbourhood policy with the country and the Commission stressed that Syria continues to be embroiled in an armed internal conflict that causes far-reaching harm and damage.
In regard with Ukraine, the report underlined that the Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity were violated clearly by acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces.