EU launches consultation over Syrian NIP

The European Commission is calling for feedback from interested organisations as it prepares to draw up its National Indicative Programme (NIP) for Syria for the period 2011-2013, based on the strategic objectives laid down in the Syria Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013.

This document identifies three priorities for action: 1.Support for political and administrative reform 2.Support for economic reform 3. Support for social reform.

The European Commission has prepared a draft concept note laying down its approach and a number of possible areas of intervention and priority sectors. This will form the basis for discussion with the main stakeholders and international donor organisations.  

To ensure a wide participation in the process, a press release said the European Commission was inviting interested organisations to provide their suggestions on: bilateral co-operation priorities which should be supported until 2013 through the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI); the role of civil society organisations in achieving the cooperation objectives.

The deadline for contributions is 30 April 2009.