PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS
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
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3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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Wider Europe-New Neighbourhood Initiative
8. 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
9. 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
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and praised its unanimous approval underlining the need of its full
implementation.
10. 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.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. They recalled that a comprehensive peace in the Middle East must also include
Syria and Lebanon in the framework of the Madrid Principles.
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16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
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24. 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
25. 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.
26. 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
27. 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.
28. 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
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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
29. 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 capacitybuilding
of civil society players in a regional or sub-regional framework.
Partnership building measures
30. 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
31. 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
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well as other forms of organised crime without prejudice to respect for human
rights and democracy.
ESDP
32. 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; cooperation
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
33. 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
34. 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
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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.
35. 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 coownership,
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
36. 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.
37. 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
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liberalisation of trade in agricultural products. Negotiations should also be
pursued aiming at the liberalisation of trade in processed agricultural products.
38. The Ministers underlined that MEDA technical assistance and training cooperation
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.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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
42. 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
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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
43. 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".
44.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.
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45.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
46.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.
47. 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.
48. 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").
49. 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
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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.
50. 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
51. 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 cooperation
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
52. 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
53. 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.
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Agriculture
54. 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
55. 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
56.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.
57.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
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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
58.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.
59.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
60.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
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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
61.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
62.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
63.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
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creating/strengthening the system of social support (re-training, social security,
unemployment benefit, pensions).
Role of women
64.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
65. 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.
66.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.
67.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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