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EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE
OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Naples, 2-3 December 2003
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The VIth Conference of Euro-Mediterranean Foreign
Ministers held in Naples on December 2nd and 3rd took place in a
positive, constructive atmosphere against an international background
casting shadows of tension, instability and insecurity in the region.
In this framework, the Ministers reaffirmed their shared willingness
to strengthening their partnership, thereby renewing their common
adherence to the values and the objectives set out in the Barcelona
Declaration. While stressing the emphasis on the Euro-Mediterranean
dialogue as the key element for their respective relationship, they
underlined the need for enhanced efforts at increasing its effectiveness.
In this context, the Ministers also expressed awareness for the
necessity to deepen the Process so as to provide it with further
visibility and transparency in a bid to bringing it closer to the
civil societies of the region.
2. The Ministers sent a message of common interests,
shared values and solidarity among Euro–Mediterranean Partners;
they reaffirmed their joint interest in reinforcing security and
stability in the region, in promoting political and economic reform
and in ensuring that extremism and terrorism are not allowed to
get in the way of progress. They also agreed that furthering the
process of dialogue and co-operation in order to improve mutual
understanding is essential to the vision of the Barcelona Process,
reiterating that the partnership stands as the best way of meeting
the challenges and opportunities represented by security and stability,
globalisation, economic reform and social development.
3. The Ministers agreed that such a vision, which
has always been at the heart of the Barcelona Process, is even more
relevant in the present circumstances. They also agreed that the
process of enlargement of the EU on one side and the current situation
in the Middle-East on the other, have given rise to a greater demand
for Europe on the Southern and Eastern rim of the Mediterranean.
These challenges call for a reinvigorated and renewed partnership,
based on a stronger commitment both of the European Union and the
Mediterranean countries to common values and objectives.
4. Recalling that the Valencia Action Plan, agreed
by Foreign Ministers at their meeting in April 2002, is the most
recent comprehensive set of commitments for developing the Partnership
and making reference to the review of its outcome at the mid-term
Ministerial meeting in Crete, the Ministers took stock of progress
made and provided orientations for future work. Furthermore, they
supported the idea of engaging in a thorough, open and sincere discussion
within the existing bodies of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
on how best carry into effect the acquis of the Barcelona Process,
aiming also at improving the contribution by the Mediterranean partners
to the outline of policies and their relevant implementation.
5. The Ministers reviewed progress in particular
in implementing the Partnership on three specific issues:
- The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly;
- The future course of FEMIP;
- The Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue of Cultures.
6. They agreed that achievements on these three
issues will foster greater political co-operation, more focussed
support for economic reform and private sector development and moves
to promote inter-cultural dialogue and understanding. All three
will move the focus of the partnership further into the domain of
civil society, thus producing results that are relevant to ordinary
man and woman.
Wider Europe-New Neighbourhood Initiative
7. The Ministers took note of the EU Wider Europe/New
Neighbourhood Policy and discussed as far as the Southern neighbours
are concerned, how this policy could strengthen co-operation by
building on the existing Barcelona Process acquis. They noted that
the policy aims to support reforms as well as regulatory and legislative
approximation, particularly as regards the internal market, between
the EU and Mediterranean partners, as they are ready to engage in
such intensified cooperation. To develop its full potential to promote
political and economic reform based on the shared values reflected
in the Barcelona Declaration, the initiative will need to include
credible incentives. In this regard, they acknowledged that one
of the aspects of these new policies is to reinforce the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership in all its chapters as well as the joint ownership of
this process with a view to fostering stability, development and
democracy in the countries to the South, in the common interest
of the E.U. and Mediterranean partners.
Iraq
8. A discussion on the unfolding events in Iraq
and the prospects for post conflict arrangements took place. Ministers
welcomed the unanimous adoption of UNSC Resolution 1511. They recalled
the Union’s commitment to play a significant role in the political
and economic reconstruction of Iraq, within the framework of the
relevant UNSC Resolutions with the following as essential elements
for success:
- an adequate security environment;
- a strong and vital UN role, which could also benefit from an early
appointment of a new Special Representative to the UNSG;
- a realistic schedule for the handing over of political responsibility
to the Iraqi people;
- the setting-up of a transparent multilateral donor fund to channel
support from the international community which the EU also regards
as an essential element for the success of the reconstruction.
The Ministers welcomed the recent agreement establishing the timeline
and a programme for a rapid transfer of sovereignty to a transitional
Iraqi Government and urged all parties concerned to agree on the
necessary constitutional as well as the electoral arrangements.
In this context, they recalled UNSC Resolution 1511 and praised
its unanimous approval underlining the need of its full implementation.
9. Ministers urged all countries in the region
to contribute actively to the stability of Iraq and to support its
political and economic reconstruction process. Following the meeting
on 2 November in Damascus among neighbouring countries of Iraq,
Ministers welcomed the holding of such meetings, in consultation
with the Iraqi Governing Council and Iraqi institutions, to help
support the political and economic reconstruction transition process
under way in Iraq, and emphasised their usefulness. Ministers also
welcomed the UNSG’s initiative to hold meetings between Iraq’s
neighbours and Security Council members. A prosperous, stable and
sovereign Iraq, whose territorial integrity is preserved, will be
essential for the stability in the region and beyond.
10. In this context, Ministers underlined the need
to establish a platform for regular and substantial consultations
among those members of the International Community which are engaged
in Iraq and all neighbouring countries.
Middle East Peace Process
11. Ministers discussed recent developments concerning
the Middle East. The were deeply concerned by the situation in the
region and noted that, despite support given by the international
community to the quest for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution,
insufficient progress has been made by the concerned parties. They
should seize the opportunity for peace set out in the Quartet Road
Map.
12. Ministers recognised that there is no alternative
to a swift and full implementation, in good faith by the two sides,
of the Road Mad. UNSCR 1515 was seen as an encouraging support by
the International Community to the endeavours by the Quartet.
13. Ministers underlined the need for both Parties
to work together constructively on solutions to the conflict. They
expressed their commitment to the clear objective of two States,
Israel and a viable and democratic Palestinian State, living side
by side in peace and security, in the framework of a comprehensive
peace in the Middle East, as laid out in the Road Map. Ministers
recalled the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by
the Beirut Arab League Summits of 28 March 2002. They called on
both parties – Israel and the Palestinian Authority –
to live up to the commitments they undertook at the Aqaba summit
on 4 June 2003.
14. They recalled that a comprehensive peace in
the Middle East must also include Syria and Lebanon in the framework
of the Madrid Principles.
15. Ministers reiterated that the fight against
terrorism in all its forms remains one of the priorities of the
entire International Community and that it is the duty of all countries,
in particular of those in the region, to actively co-operate in
the fight against terrorism and to abstain from all support, direct
or indirect, to terrorist organisations.
16. It was emphasised by Ministers that the new
Palestinian Government under Prime Minister Qorei must concretely
demonstrate its determination in the fight against extremist violence.
Decisive steps to consolidate all Palestinian security services
must be taken by the new Palestinian Government, which deserves
to be supported by all. Efforts to implement a lasting cease-fire
were welcomed.
17. Ministers also urged the Government of Israel,
in exercising its right to protect its citizens, to exert maximum
effort to avoid civilian casualties and take all necessary action
to ease the humanitarian and economic plight of the Palestinian
people and facilitate the relief work of international donors. Israel
should refrain from any action that violates international law.
18. Ministers were of the view that decisive steps
must be taken to reverse the sharply deteriorating humanitarian
situation in the West Bank and Gaza. It is making life increasingly
intolerable for ordinary Palestinians and fuelling extremism.
19. Ministers welcomed the upcoming donor’s
meeting (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) that will take place on 10 December
2003 in Rome, as a good opportunity to discuss necessary measures
and efforts by the parties and the International Community to improve
the economic and humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people.
20. Strong concerns were expressed regarding the
route marked out by Israel for the fence in the Occupied West Bank
and East Jerusalem. The envisaged departure of the route from the
“green line” prejudges future negotiations and makes
the two-State solution physically impossible to implement. Continued
expansion of Israeli settlements and related construction is counter-productive.
21. Ministers highlighted the importance of promoting
tolerance in all countries of the Partnership, and stressed in particular
the need to stand up against both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia,
as well as xenophobia.
22. Ministers also reiterated that the Middle East
Peace Process and the Barcelona Process are complementary, and expressed
their readiness to use fully the potential of the Barcelona Process
to make a positive contribution to the stabilisation of the Mediterranean
region. Ministers recalled the importance of a reinvigorated cooperation
within the wider region and with Mediterranean partners.
23. Initiatives from civil society on both sides
were welcomed as contributions to the effort to promote rapprochement,
confidence building and the search for a lasting peace.
Association Agreement
24. The Valencia Action Plan, agreed unanimously
by the participants at the Valencia meeting, contains a series of
activities to reinforce all areas of the Partnership. Good progress
has been made on many of them. Association Agreements are now in
force with Tunisia, Morocco, Israel, and Jordan and on an interim
basis with the Palestinian Authority and Lebanon.
25. The Association process remains at the core
of the Partnership. The Ministers confirmed commitment to encourage
speeding up the ratification process of Agreements not yet in force
and to ensure where necessary the early implementation of relevant
provisions through interim agreements or other appropriate arrangements.
The Ministers welcomed progress made in many areas on the implementation
of the Agreements in force notably the regular holding of Association
Councils and Committees as well as the setting up of sub-Committees
such as under the Agreements with Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia. They
reaffirmed the importance of completing the grid of Euro-Mediterranean
Association Agreements by concluding the negotiation with Syria.
II. POLITICAL AND SECURITY PARTNERSHIP
Political and security dialogue
26. Ministers reiterated that a concerted effort
should be made to give greater substance to political and security
co-operation. This requires an overall strategy to the stability/security
issue in the region, while paying more attention – with an
even-handed and balanced approach - to new security challenges particularly
great in the Mediterranean basin. In order to deal more effectively
with these challenges, the Ministers considered the option of preparing
their discussions also through open ended ad hoc informal groups
reporting to the Partners through existing Euromed institutional
channels.
27. The Ministers, while reaffirming the complementarity
between the Middle East Peace Process and the Euro-Mediterranean
Partnership, in accordance with the Barcelona Declaration, recognised
that, any direct linkage between the two should continue to be avoided.
It is undoubtedly true that when there have, from time to time,
been positive developments in the former, they have contributed
in large measure to creating a more positive atmosphere for progress
in the latter. The converse is equally the case, and applies particularly
to political and security co-operation. The Ministers therefore
recognised their interest in implementing the Road Map and returning
to negotiations.
Human Rights and Democracy
28. Cooperation in promoting human rights and democracy
is crucial to the success of the Partnership. The Ministers welcomed
the approach set out in the recent EU initiative, based on dialogue
with the Partners aiming to reach a consensus on extending cooperation
in this area progressively and on an individual basis, in particular
by developing joint action plans which would set out the means to
implement effectively through national regulation and legislation
the commitments which the partners have agreed to. Such cooperation
would be eligible for enhanced EU financial support and the EU will
take it into consideration when allocating MEDA funds. The Ministers
also emphasized the support provided for direct actions in the field
of human rights and for capacity-building of civil society players
in a regional or sub-regional framework.
Partnership building measures
29. The Ministers acknowledged that existing political
and security dialogue among Senior Officials should be pursued and
should aim to agree on further partnership building measures in
the field of security; they mandated the Senior Officials to study
further and to identify partnership building measures to be implemented
among partners such as maritime safety, civil protection and environment.
If necessary such measures could be on the basis of participation
by a limited number of partners, open to others to join later.
Fight against terrorism
30. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to
fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever and
by whomsoever committed. They stressed their engagement in the full
implementation inter alia of UNSCR 1373. They also mandated Senior
Officials to further the dialogue on terrorism, including ad hoc
meetings, with a view to increasing co-operation in this field.
According to that vision, the Ministers reiterated that co-operation
on terrorism will be pursued under existing and future regional
and bilateral programmes for training and technical assistance to
improve the capability to fight terrorism as well as other forms
of organised crime without prejudice to respect for human rights
and democracy.
ESDP
31. The Ministers welcomed the launching of dialogue
and co-operation on ESDP (European Security and Defence Policy),
confirming that the dialogue with the EU Political and Security
Committee, and at expert level, can usefully add to the range of
instruments available under the Barcelona Process. They also stressed
that this dialogue should help to familiarise the Mediterranean
partners with ESDP aims and instruments, with a view to their eventual,
possible cooperation in ESDP activities on a regional, sub-regional
or country basis. They recalled that some of the Mediterranean partners
already work with the EU in peacekeeping activities (Balkans, Africa)
under the UN aegis. The Ministers expressed their belief that further
complementary measures, such as civilian crisis management training;
co-operation among civil protection authorities, particularly continuing
cooperation on a project on disaster management, drawing on the
experience of the on-going pilot project, subject to satisfactory
evaluation of its results, would constitute a significant addition
to partnership building.
Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly
32. The Ministers welcomed the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean
Parliamentary Assembly and agreed to include this new body, in a
consultative capacity, in the framework of the Barcelona Process.
They expressed their conviction that this step will provide the
Process with further visibility and transparency, thereby bringing
the Partnership itself closer to the interests and expectations
of public opinions in the region. In this context, the Ministers
stressed that the Assembly will add to the depth of the Barcelona
Process, ensuring complementarity with the existing institutions
of the Partnership. The text of the Recommendation from the Euro-mediterranean
Parliamentary Forum to the Ministerial Conference is attached.
III. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP
Framework for the economic and financial dialogue
33. The Ministers recognised that Mediterranean
countries will need to address severe challenges over the coming
years: strong pressure in the labour market; the need for deeper
structural reforms in order to increase per capital growth; still
insufficient integration in world trade and investment flows, not
compensated by small national markets and still limited regional
integration; the impact of tariff dismantling. They reaffirmed that
the Euro-Mediterranean partnership should aim at supporting and
accompanying an acceleration of reforms necessary to overcome those
challenges. As a framework to discuss objectives and actions, the
Ministers considered establishing on a long-term basis the Regional
Economic Dialogue. To that end, they agreed that meetings of Economics/Finance
Ministers should be convened in principle every two years and prepared
through high level Officials' meeting of the Regional Economic Dialogue.
The Ministers confirmed that, without prejudice to the operation
of existing instruments, the dialogue could deal inter alia with
the following issues: monitoring the economic situation in the region;
monitoring the structural reforms in Partner countries and the implementation
of Association Agreements and assessing the economic impact of the
Association process by using precise and measurable indicators including
poverty issues and policies.
34. The Ministers acknowledged that the level of
EU support to the implementation of economic reforms, notably those
which are closely connected to the approximation process in the
context of the Wider Europe/New Neighbourhood Initiative proposed
by the EU and to the Free-Trade Area, should be related on a mutually
agreed basis in a spirit of co-ownership, to the intensity of the
efforts of the Partners assessed under the framework agreed evaluation
instruments. Articulation of MEDA and EIB credits should be further
reinforced, as well as co-ordination within the EU and with other
donors.
Free trade area
35. The Ministers underlined that by 1 May 2004,
when the ten new Member States join the EU, all the Euro-Mediterranean
Association Agreements already signed should have been ratified,
the negotiations with Syria should be completed and the Agadir Agreement
should have been signed and ratified. They reiterated that the Protocol
on rules of origin to all agreements should be replaced by the pan-Euro-Mediterranean
Protocol, underlying that, in accordance with the provisions of
the Association Agreements, further steps should be taken to complete
the free-trade area, pursuing a comprehensive approach which takes
into account the range of reciprocal interests.
36. The Ministers welcomed the study on the impact
of liberalisation of agricultural trade. In line with its conclusions,
the Commission has been invited to propose in the first half of
2004 a precise road map for building on existing arrangements to
achieve a higher level of progressive reciprocal liberalisation
of trade in agricultural products. Negotiations should also be pursued
aiming at the liberalisation of trade in processed agricultural
products.
37. The Ministers underlined that MEDA technical
assistance and training co-operation programmes should be put in
place with Mediterranean partners in order to promote convergence
of regulations and standards with those in the EU internal market.
38. The Ministers noted that the forthcoming Trade
Ministers’ Meeting in 2004 will review the progress achieved
concerning trade liberalisation in services along the lines of the
approach agreed at the last Trade Ministerial Euro-Mediterranean
Conference in Palermo. The establishment of a Framework Protocol
common to all Mediterranean countries will serve as a basis to ensure
coherence. They also agreed that bilateral negotiations should then
be engaged and cover substantially all sectors. Although some nuances
in the pace and coverage are not excluded, they confirmed the ultimate
objective is to reach homogeneous liberalisation across the Euro-Mediterranean
region.
39. The Ministers recalled that a progress report
regarding the implementation of the Action Plan in the field of
the establishment of free trade on industrial products should be
presented by the Working Group on Regional Integration to the forthcoming
Trade Ministers’ Meeting in 2004. Specific MEDA technical
assistance programmes and projects in the Mediterranean region should
be used to support this Action Plan and eventually the conclusion
of conformity assessment agreements.
40. The Ministers welcomed the outcome of the latest
Euro-mediterranean Industrial Cooperation Working Group meeting,
held in Rome on October 2nd and 3rd, 2003, with special regard to
the Action Plan on Enterprise Policy. While recalling the conclusions
of the IV Euro-mediterranean Conference of Industry Ministers, held
in Malaga on April 9th-10th 2002, they confirmed that the next meeting
of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of the Industry Ministers will
possibly be held in 2004.
Regional and Sub-regional integration
41. The Ministers expressed strong support for
all present and future initiatives aiming at integration at a sub-regional
level such as the AMU or Agadir, on issues such as trade, infrastructure
networks, and migration policies. They supported the implementation
of policies of sub-regional integration in both the Western and
Eastern Mediterranean, beginning with the three central Maghreb
countries (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). The latter could constitute
a "pilot experiment" in that respect aimed at being extended,
to other partner countries. Ministers indicated their readiness
to support initiatives of partner countries and agreed to consistently
use the MEDA regional envelope to stimulate sub-regional integration.
The Ministers noted that the Agadir Agreement provides for an extension
to other Mediterranean partners. They welcomed the conclusion of
a Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and Morocco and agreed on
the need for the signing of similar agreements between Turkey and
other Mediterranean Partners.
FEMIP and Investment
42. Ministers noted with satisfaction the positive
evaluation of the first year of activity of the facility. They welcomed
the conclusions reached on 25th November by ECOFIN Council, following
the consultations with the Mediterranean Partner countries beneficiaries
of FEMIP operations, to develop this instrument further and to reinforce
FEMIP within the EIB. In this framework, they acknowledged that
a reinforced FEMIP will strengthen the instrument with a number
of features in support of private sector, in particular with a)
a special envelope for extended risk-sharing operations, b) the
improvement of the dialogue on the structural reforms, c) the establishment
of a trust fund allowing other donors to complement on a voluntary
basis the contributions from the Community budget. The Ministers
also noted that the incorporation of an EIB majority-owned subsidiary
dedicated to the Mediterranean partner countries will be fully assessed
in December 2006, on the basis of an evaluation of the reinforced
Facility's performance, and taking into account the outcome of consultations
within the Barcelona Process. With strong satisfaction they finally
noted that the Council agreed to transfer a surplus margin in the
external mandate to the Mediterranean countries".
43. The Ministers agreed that the industries and
business created by domestic and foreign private investment should
become the main engine for growth and job creation in the region;
the region must be made more attractive to investors by the maintenance
of a stable macro-economic framework, substantial regulatory and
institutional reforms and approximation with international best
practices. Successful economic policies will require bolder reforms
in Mediterranean partners. They envisaged the adoption and implementation
of a Euro?Mediterranean Charter for Entrepreneurship to serve as
a reference document for streamlining policies to support SME creation
and development, and improving the business environment. They maintained
that these issues must continue to be covered in depth in the structures
put in place under the implementation of the Association Agreements,
and can be further promoted in the context of Wider Europe. Research
and Technological Development.
44. The Ministers underlined that Research and
Technological Development (RTD) is an important tool for the economic
stability and growth of all countries around the Mediterranean.
They agreed that the opening of the European Research Area to all
Mediterranean Partners will strengthen regional integration in the
short term and will contribute to sustainable growth, high added
value job creation, and to the promoting of competitive economies
in the region. The objective of the ERA, opened to the entire Mediterranean
region, is to improve the region’s development as a knowledge-based
society of the world, according to the Lisbon objectives. The co-operation
of the EU and its Member States with the Mediterranean Partners
in that field has developed since the establishment of the Partnership,
and plays a catalytic role for the achievement of the Free Trade
Area. Synergies are therefore necessary between different EU instruments,
like MEDA and the Framework Programme for RTD, to support research
and innovation building in the Mediterranean Partners. In this framework,
they took also note of the outcome of the Euro?Med Forum to implement
scientific, technological and industrial cooperation in the Mediterranean
region, held in Capri on October 4th to 6th 2003.
Infrastructure Interconnection
45. The Ministers welcomed the results of the Euro-Mediterranean
Conference of Energy Ministers on 21 May 2003. They confirmed that
the objective is to consolidate existing links, facilitate new investments
and develop common strategies and co-ordinated policies.
46. The Ministers welcomed developments in this
area, in particular the energy priorities 2003?2006 agreed in Athens,
and encouraged the initiatives taken on this occasion concerning
the Maghreb electricity market, the tripartite Working Group between
Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the European Commission on
energy interconnections, and the need to provide the Euro-Mediterranean
Energy Forum with an ad hoc logistical support.
47. The Ministers welcomed the conclusions of the
Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference "Towards a New Euro-Med
Partnership on Investment Promotion, Infrastructure Financing and
Energy Supply Security", held on 1/2 December 2003 in Rome
and in particular the establishment of an ad hoc logistical support
to the Energy Forum (Mediterranean Rome Energy Platform –
"MEDREP").
48. The Ministers encouraged the progress achieved
so far in transport co-operation, in particular the on-going work
under the Euro-Mediterranean Transport Project, which should lead
to the definition of a regional transport infrastructure network
and the identification of a list of priority projects. They also
supported the early launch of new regional projects in the field
of maritime safety and navigation by satellite (GALILEO), and welcomed
the start of discussions on air transport issues in the framework
of the Euro-Mediterranean Transport Forum.
49. The Ministers welcomed progress made in establishing
a Euro-Mediterranean communications infrastructure for research
and education (EUMEDCONNECT). Ministers emphasized the need to give
significant consideration to infrastructure interconnection projects
in the framework of the new neighbourhood instrument.
Water
50. The Ministers confirmed the importance of the
rational and economic use of water in the region and encourage the
further deepening of regional and sub-regional co-operation on this
issue including through the Mediterranean component of the EU water
initiative. The Ministers underlined the importance of water recalling
the comprehensive set of commitments set out in the Action Plan
in the Conference on Water held in Torino in November 1999. The
Ministers agreed on the need to accelerate the fulfilment of the
above mentioned commitments. In the run-up to 2007-2013 financial
perspectives, they also ensured that appropriate financing for this
sector be made available.
Environment
51. The Ministers stressed the need for environmental
protection and sustainable development policies to be implemented.
This should be pursued along the lines of the Declaration of the
Euro-Mediterranean meeting of Environment Ministers in Athens in
July 2002 and the Plan of Implementation of the Johannesburg World
Summit on Sustainable Development. The environment should be integrated
into all sectors of the Partnership. The Ministers supported the
ongoing assessment of the impact of the implementation of Association
Agreements in terms of sustainable development.
Institutional co-operation
52. The Ministers agreed that administrative twinning
should be developed as a way to exchange good practice and to streamline
the process of approximation in the regulatory and administrative
fields. They also noted the progress made by the Centre for Innovation
in Public Administration in the Euro-Mediterranean region in discharging
its activity designed to improve governance systems.
Agriculture
53. The Ministers welcomed the recommendations
of the first Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Agriculture which
has been held on 27 November 2003 in Venice and focussed on identifying
ways for a strengthened cooperation on structural agricultural issues
of common interest, such as quality upgrading, protection of natural
resources, food safety and security, denomination of origin, rural
labour and the struggle against poverty.
Regional Cooperation
54. Ministers, while taking note of the conclusions
of the Conference of Euro-Mediterranean regions held in Palermo,
on 27-28 November 2003, underlined the outstanding importance of
cooperation amongst regions of the Euro-Mediterranean partners as
being instrumental in providing the Barcelona Process with further
breadth and substance as well as in bringing the partnership closer
to the civil societies of the region. They also took note of the
conclusions of the Conference held in Livorno on October 31st 2000
upon initiative of the EU Committee of the Regions. In the same
spirit Ministers also welcomed the holding of the Forum of the Euro-Mediterranean
Mayors held in Venice on 30 November 2003. Ministers expressed their
satisfaction at the launching of the pilot projects in the framework
of MED’ACT for co-operation between Euro-Mediterranean cities
in the view of exploring, at the appropriate time, the establishment
of a regional programme aiming at co-operation between Euro-Mediterranean
local authorities in the framework of MEDA.
IV. SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND HUMAN PARTNERSHIP
Dialogue between Cultures
55. The Ministers agreed to enhance the achievements
of the Partnership by strengthening the present instruments and
regional programmes and, at the same time, ensured the launching
of new instruments, principal among which is the Euromed Foundation,
which should start to function rapidly and thus become the most
visible aspect of activities in this field.
56. The Ministers welcomed the successful implementation
of ongoing programmes: Euromed Heritage entering its phase III in
2003, Euromed Audio-visual preparing its phase II, Euromed Youth
preparing its Phase III, and, finally, the launching of the Euromed
Youth Platform supporting dialogue between youth representatives
and governments on policies for young people. They agreed to facilitate
the functioning of these programmes. While reaffirming the crucial
role of media in promoting better governance, mutual understanding
and social cohesion, the Ministers agreed on the need for enhanced
endeavour in the audio-visual field and welcomed the ongoing initiatives
on media co-operation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, including
those promoted by the Permanent Conference of Mediterranean Audio-visual
Operators.
Euro-Mediterranean Foundation
57. While endorsing the relevant modalities agreed
upon by the Senior Officials, as contained in Doc. de Séance
No 57/03 Rev. 2, the Ministers decided the setting up of the Euromed
Foundation, to promote the dialogue of cultures and civilisations.
The Foundation should become a catalyst for all initiatives aiming
at increasing dialogue and common understanding on the basis of
the guiding principles for the dialogue between cultures and civilisations
agreed upon at the Mid-Term Conference in Crete. Its organisation,
at least in the initial stage as a network of networks with a light
administrative structure, will allow a regular dialogue, notably
between cultural circles outside official diplomatic and cultural
forums. Partners confirmed their support for the launching of the
Foundation in ensuring on a voluntary basis that it is granted financial
resources consistent with the objective of its successful start-up.
The Ministers took note of proposals from some Partners regarding
the headquarters of the Foundation and instructed the Euromed Committee
to pursue work with a view to a decision being taken as soon as
possible.
58. The Ministers took note of the report of President
Prodi’s High Level Group (“Groupe des Sages”)
presented in October in Alexandria which should help define the
main principles for the dialogue of peoples and cultures in the
region that should guide the functioning of the Foundation.
Justice, fight against organised crime
59. The Ministers took note of the progress made
in the implementation of the regional programme covering the justice,
police and migration sectors which for the first time in the framework
of the partnership allowed experts and practitioners from the Euro-Mediterranean
countries to work together in judicial co-operation, in the fight
against terrorism, drugs and organised crime and in a joint approach
to migration. The Ministers gave full support for this first experience
of concrete teamwork, on training of judges, training of police
forces and the development of a common tool of observation and analysis
of the migratory flows in the Mediterranean and look forward to
the further development of this co-operation.
Migration and movement of people
60. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of
migration and express the view that, if carefully managed, migration
can be a positive factor for the socio-economic growth of the whole
region. They ensured that the dialogue and co-operation on migration
which has started with some Mediterranean Partners is extended to
all and covers the root causes of migration, the possibilities to
promote legal migration and to combat illegal migration through
readmission agreements covering illegal immigration, to be agreed
upon with Partners most directly involved. In this respect, they
confirmed the need to adopt a global approach balancing security
concerns and the management of migratory flows, on the one hand,
with the facilitation of legal movement of persons and social integration
of migrants, on the other. The Ministers also took note of the Commission's
intention to initiate a study into the relationship between legal
and illegal migration.
Education
61. The Ministers agreed to increase efforts in
education as a basic tool for intercultural dialogue and mutual
understanding. They considered creating a Euro-Mediterranean area
of higher education based on the experience of the EULAC Common
Space for higher education and on the TEMPUS-MEDA programme. They
acknowledged that at regional level, EU programmes newly opened
to the Mediterranean partners are an important step in this direction.
The extension of Tempus to the Mediterranean Partners will reinforce
co-operation in higher education and post-secondary vocational training,
and allow the authorities to proposed specific structural actions.
They noted that Netd@ys and eSchola programmes for improving the
use of new technologies in primary and secondary education contribute
to the improvement of the sector. Recalling the relevant provision
set out in the Valencia Action Plan, the Ministers reiterated the
importance of a regional vocational training programme, aiming at
promoting employment opportunities in the field of new technologies,
in particular for the youth.
Social Policy
62. The Ministers acknowledged the common interest
in social stability and welfare on both sides of the Mediterranean.
They agreed to further develop the dialogue and co-operation on
social policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequalities and creating/strengthening
the system of social support (re-training, social security, unemployment
benefit, pensions).
Role of women
63. The Ministers also supported the efforts of
the forthcoming regional programmes on training and on the role
of women in political, economic and social life, aiming at promoting
opportunities by fostering capacity building and awareness, in a
move designed to enhance her status within civil society.
Civil Society
64. The Ministers also welcomed the increasing
role of civil society in the Barcelona process. In addition to civil
society participation in Barcelona economic, social and cultural
programmes, the Ministers noted the achievements of the Naples Civil
Forum held prior to Barcelona VI. The Ministers noted the efforts
undertaken of civil society organisations and networks since the
Civil Forum in Valencia to ensure continuity and coherence of activities
of the Civil Forum meetings, and thus increase the effectiveness
of their influence on the Partnership. They welcomed initiatives
to further enhance this process with a view to promoting an inclusive
approach aiming at a comprehensive representation of civil society
from all Partners.
65. The Ministers took note of the conclusions
of the Summit of Economic and Social Council and similar Institutions
held in Malta on 6-7 November 2003. They encouraged the actors in
civil society to pursue dialogue and networking to reinforce their
contribution towards the fulfilment of the objectives of the Euromed
Partnership.
66. The Ministers welcomed the proposal put forward
by Ireland to host a mid-term Ministerial Meeting during the first
half of 2004. The VIIth Euro–Mediterranean Conference of the
Ministers of Foreign Affairs will take place in the first half of
2005 under the Presidency of Luxembourg.
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