ABSTRACT
The launch of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the introduction of a separate European Union (EU) Treaty provision devoted to the EU's relations with neighbouring countries sparked the interest of legal scholars. Four recurring themes can be identified. First, specific attention has been devoted to the legal nature, methodology and institutional structure of the ENP. Second, a doctrinal discussion about the actual meaning and implications of the new neighbourhood clause could be observed. Third, the upgrade of the bilateral legal relations – from partnership and co-operation agreements to association agreements – with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, is the most significant evolution in the legal relations with ENP countries. Fourth, EU rule export to neighbouring countries is a core element of the ENP. From a legal perspective, it therefore made sense to transplant the instruments and methodologies of what was perceived to be a very successful enlargement policy to the ENP.
