Press Release: ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’. Commission adopts proposals to enhance the partnership between the EU and its Mediterranean neighbours

The European Commission adopted on May 20, 2008, its proposals for upgrading relations with its Mediterranean partners through the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean. Following the decision of the Spring European Council the Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner presented the outline of the structures of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean which aim at giving renewed vitality and visibility to the EU’s relations with Partners in the Mediterranean region. These structures include the setting up of a Secretariat and the creation of a permanent committee of Euro-Mediterranean representatives. The policy paper also outlines ideas for the kind of projects that would constitute visible and tangible efforts at improving the lives and livelihoods of the region’s citizens. This latest initiative underlines the EU’s continued commitment to the Mediterranean region, an area of vital strategic importance in both political and economic terms. The proposals contained in the Communication will be presented at the inaugural Summit of Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean in Paris on 13 July, 2008.

• Primary Source

Deutsche Welle, 29.5.08: France's Club Med Plan Riddled With Problems http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3366950,00.html

ESO: Background information: Union for the Mediterranean http://www.europeansources.info/record/union-for-the-mediterranean/

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