Supporting closer cooperation and regional integration in the Maghreb: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia

The peoples of the Maghreb have been at the forefront of the historic events of 2011. More than in any other region within the Arab world, the Maghreb countries have embarked on a long process of change and reform. The European Union has a major interest in the success of such democratisation and modernisation processes.

In addition, in the course of the past year, there has been renewed impetus from the countries of the Maghreb towards closer cooperation between them. This movement – still tentative and yet to translate into comprehensive steps – is based on the recognition that the objectives of promoting prosperity, stability and democratic transformation at the national level cannot be fully realised in the absence of deeper relations between the countries of the Maghreb.

The main purpose of this Communication is to set out ways in which the European Union might support closer cooperation between the countries of the Maghreb, drawing on its own extensive experience of integration and given its interest in the region as a neighbour and key partner for the five countries concerned. By doing so the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy seek to encourage on-going efforts by Maghreb partners to deepen cooperation at the level of the Maghreb and accompany them in this process.