There are many ways to promote democracy and stability, the rule of law and good governance, as well as economic development and prosperity in the Neighbourhood and Enlargement regions. Since the start of their operations, TAIEX and its longer–term sibling, Twinning, contributed to achieving these goals by strengthening capacity and supporting the work of public administrations.

By mobilising experts from the EU Member States, TAIEX and Twinning assist Enlargement regions in transposing and implementing the EU legislation on their path to accession, and Neighbourhood ones in harmonising their laws in the framework of Cooperation and Association Agreements with the EU. On top of that, the two instruments are an excellent channel to support mutual understanding among those countries and the EU and to encourage the fundamental reforms that are needed both in the Enlargement and in the Neighbourhood regions.

The publication presents TAIEX and Twinning 2016 activities in numbers and highlights some of their success stories in the South and the East Neighbourhood. It also shows Twinning’s long-term positive impact. 

As a foreword, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn says: “I am convinced that 2017 will see an even stronger alignment of the Institution Building instruments with the political priorities of the EU, helping our partner countries to extend their administrative capacities, improve their democratic and human rights standards and thus move even closer to the EU. TAIEX and Twinning are key in fostering change, thus paving the way for political reforms and enhanced cooperation among countries – the essential ingredients for a future of common stability, prosperity and security”.