The European Neighborhood Policy and the Power of Collective Memory

The European Neighborhood Policy and the Power of Collective Memory

Introduction:
The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) was established with the vision of creating a 'ring of friends' at Europe's borders. However, after a decade of implementation, the EU finds itself surrounded by a 'ring of fire.' While the ENP has enabled closer political and economic integration with neighboring countries, it has failed to achieve its primary goals of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. In response, the 2015 ENP review adjusted the policy's conception, focusing on stabilizing joint interests in security and migration. This article explores the challenges and future prospects of the ENP, highlighting the connection between the policy's strategic orientation and the power of collective memory.

The Influence of Collective Memory:
Memories of war are deeply intertwined with the political constraints and incentives imposed by the Cold War and the projects of constructing socialist societies in the East and European unity in the West. However, the apocalyptic images and promises of redemption that proliferated after the First World War were not as prevalent. Understanding how memory is personally reworked, officially recast, and violently re-instilled after wars is crucial for comprehending its relevance in shaping present power constellations.

Differentiating Collective and Individual Memory:
In analyzing the role of memory in shaping frameworks for foreign policy and domestic politics, it is important to distinguish between collective or national memory and mass individual memory. The former refers to the recollection of events that individuals actually lived through, while the latter focuses on how memory shapes present power dynamics. Identifying the political carriers of personal and collective memory, as well as their historical and sociological contexts, is essential.

The Power of Memory in Times of Crisis:
Crises serve as battlegrounds for influencing the hearts, minds, and souls of the dead. In the aftermath of war, a myth of complete common victimization by the Germans created social solidarity even among those who had benefited from the occupation. However, instant amnesia, particularly regarding collaboration, also served the purpose of legitimizing power. War itself seemed to encourage amnesia or psychological 'numbing.' Lessons from the inter-war economic policies shaped post-war retribution, leading to historical scrutiny in the post-Cold War era.

Connecting Collective Memory and the European Neighborhood Policy:
The ENP's future performance is likely to be shaped by four cleavages:

1. Balancing values and interests: The EU must strive for a more strategic ENP that strikes a necessary balance between its values and interests in order to foster stability and prosperity in the neighborhood.

2. Shaping joint interests: The policy should refocus on joint interests, particularly in the fields of security and migration, to address the challenges of the region effectively.

3. Recognizing historical and sociological contexts: Understanding the historical and sociological locations of collective memory is crucial for shaping policies that resonate with the experiences and aspirations of neighboring countries.

Actionable Advice:

1. Foster inclusive dialogue: Engage in open and inclusive dialogue with neighboring countries to understand their unique historical, social, and political contexts, thereby building trust and cooperation.

2. Invest in capacity-building: Support the development of institutions, infrastructure, and human resources in neighboring countries to enhance their ability to address security and migration challenges effectively.

3. Promote people-to-people exchanges: Encourage cultural and educational exchanges between the EU and its neighbors to bridge the gap between collective memories and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Conclusion:
The European Neighborhood Policy faces challenges in bridging the gap between its conception and performance. By recognizing the power of collective memory and integrating it into policy frameworks, the EU can shape a more strategic and effective ENP. Balancing values and interests, shaping joint interests, and understanding historical and sociological contexts are crucial steps. By fostering inclusive dialogue, investing in capacity-building, and promoting people-to-people exchanges, the EU can strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries and foster peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.