ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the EU's action towards the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, in link with the EU's relations with the African countries of its immediate neighbourhood in the Maghreb. It presents a general outlook of the structures shaping the EU's relations with the African countries situated along the Sahara and connects them to the countries of the EU's immediate neighbourhood. Taking into account the wider dimension of the challenges affecting the two sub-regions and the policy tools currently in place, it was argued that some bridges can be used to further enhance the consistency and efficiency of the EU's action towards both its neighbouring countries and their southern neighbours. Hence the chapter reflects on the ways in which the EU could further upgrade its policies towards its southern neighbours and their neighbours; an endeavour which regains significance in the present times of economic crisis and rationalization.
