Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (NEAR) - Main contents

This directorate-general is responsible for the EU neighbourhood policy and negotiations for enlargement. The EU supports partner countries in both financial means as well as by providing expertise on a wide range of issues. The goal is for the partner countries to undertake democratic reforms, to develop the rule of law and to stimulate economic growth.

On January 1^st 2015 DG Enlargement was replaced by DG Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. It marks a greater emphasis put on fostering close relations with the neighbouring countries, and - at the time - putting enlargement on hold for the foreseeable future.