The fifth enlargement, which saw the accession of ten central and eastern European countries, pushed the EU’s borders towards the east, while the most recent enlargement, which included Bulgaria and Romania, moved the border to the Black Sea. In May 2004, the EU became the neighbour of countries which, because of their geography and relatively rich energy sources, have become important strategic partners of the Union. However, some still face security and other challenges.

After the first stage of implementation of the ENP, a consensus was reached within the EU that the policy needed to be upgraded. The European Neighbourhood Policy is based on the principle of strengthening collaboration between the EU and countries of the Neighbourhood and, through the gradual adoption of European norms and rules, on the promotion of political stability and economic welfare in the region, thus indirectly improving security across Europe.

On the basis of the European Council conclusions in June 2007 and the Commission's proposals about strengthening individual aspects of the ENP, Slovenia will direct its efforts towards maintaining a balanced approach towards the ENP. In this respect, the intensity of relations with the EU will depend on the progress individual countries achieve in implementing political and economic reforms. The success and credibility of the ENP will largely depend on whether the EU succeeds in moving from theory to practice with concrete measures which would more clearly outline the EU's role in the Neighbourhood and among its citizens.