The Effects of ENP on Maghreb Sub-Regional Integration

Welfare effects of economic integration have been widely discussed from an inward perspective, while less attention is paid to its consequences for neighbouring countries remaining outside. This research, which assesses the influence of European integration on the Mediterranean regional structure, shows that the European Neighbourhood Policy has failed in its aim to promote sub-regional integration among Maghreb countries. In order to check whether the ENP (2004) has been relevant for this objective, four indicators proposed by the EU for measuring its performance are tested, as well as the evolution of Maghreb economic relationship with its main European partners (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) since the Barcelona Process (1995). Following a hybrid approach that combines descriptive institutional analysis and statistical work (with data from UNCTAD and IMF databases), this research reveals that none of the objectives has been reached and that Maghreb trade path obeys to international trends rather than to the entry into force of the ENP framework. Indeed, instead of boosting welfare through South-South integration, the ENP fosters a hub&spokes structure that widens horizontal and vertical asymmetries.