Category Archives: Mediterranean partner countries

GENERAL FRAMEWORK
Framework for relations
Partnership for democracy and prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean
Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean
Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean system of cumulation of origin
Barcelona Process: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
The Valencia Ministerial Conference and its Action Plan
Reinvigorating the Barcelona process
Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership
EU Common Strategy for the MediterraneanArchives
European Neighbourhood Policy
New neighbourhood policy strategy
Taking stock of the European Neighbourhood Policy
Neighbourhood policy: participation in European Union Agencies and programmes
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (2007 – 2013)
Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013
Inter-regional programme: Strategy paper 2007-2013 and indicative programme 2007-2010
Cross-border cooperation (CBC) 2007-2013
Common framework for joint multiannual programming
MEDA programmeArchives
Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza StripArchives
SECTORAL COOPERATION
Human rights and relations in the Mediterranean
Environment strategy for the Mediterranean
Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure
Cooperation with Non-EU Member Countries on nuclear safety
European Training Foundation (ETF)
Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries (2009-2013)
Action on HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries 2006 – 2009

Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013

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Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013

Document or Iniciative

European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) – Regional Strategy Paper (2007-2013) and Regional Indicative Programme (2007-2013) for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership .

Summary

The Regional Strategy Paper (RSP) defines the objectives and priorities of the regional cooperation on the basis of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) for the period 2007-2013. In this context, it aims to achieve the objectives of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP), which seeks to add a further dimension to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Barcelona Processus) to strengthen its impact beyond bilateral relations.

The political, economic, social and environment situation of the Mediterranean region poses a certain number of challenges for the region. Regional cooperation offers a response to the challenges of common, and in particular cross-border, interest for the countries of the region. The RSP in this way complements the country strategy papers (CSP) drawn up for Algeria, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia.

EU response strategy

The European Union (EU) seeks to maintain and step up the reform process in the Mediterranean partner countries. It also seeks to promote dialogue, strengthening the domestic political institutions by means of the collaboration offered by various instruments.

In this capacity, the RIP identifies the priority areas which represent value-added through the comparative advantage they may bring to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

The justice, security and migration cooperation is of regional interest, with activities comprising:

confidence-building measures for a first component aimed at promoting cooperation in the field of civil protection and a second component on partnership for peace. In more concrete terms, the RIP proposes, for example, support for crisis management and the implementation of a Code of Conduct on Countering Terrorism;
a “justice, police and migration” component to consolidate the results obtained during previous programmes and to enhance cooperation on managing migration flows between countries of origin, transit and destination. More specifically, this component encourages contacts, training and assistance among law enforcement officers;
a “policy analysis” component, with the objective of developing the Euro-Mediterranean network of foreign policy institutes and the Economic Research Institute.

Sustainable economic development is a priority for the achievement of the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area by 2010. This priority consists of:

promotion of reforms and investments to attract investors;
cooperation in respect of infrastructure networks in the transport and energy sectors;
the completion of an area of free trade and South-South regional economic integration by ensuring the environmental sustainability of the region;
an environmental programme covering marine pollution, among other issues.

Social development and cultural exchanges focus on people-to-people exchanges and raising awareness of the Partnership through the media. Their main components are:

gender equality and civil society, with a view to encouraging active citizenship, strengthening equality between men and women and encouraging recognition of the role of women;
information and communication to promote the Partnership and the ENP and improve cooperation between the EU and the various media in the region;
Euromed Youth to encourage dialogue between young people on opposite sides of the Mediterranean, the integration of young people and active citizenship;
dialogue between cultures and cultural heritage.

The Partnership with the neighbouring countries in this way allows progress towards a significant degree of integration with the EU, enhanced trading relations and intensified cooperation in matters of security. Nevertheless, the acceptance and will of the partner countries are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the Partnership.

Terms and conditions

The indicative budget for the period 2007-2010 amounts to EUR 343.3 million.

The RIP for the period 2007-2013 presents the programmes for each priority. To this end, it defines performance indicators to measure the impact and the expected outcomes, such as:

rebuilding of confidence within each society and between societies by strengthening civil society and transnational links;
consolidation of the Euromed networks and police and judicial cooperation;
support for the social integration of migrant workers and their families;
increase in the number of investment projects and new job creation thanks to a regional investment promotion programme;
more integrated energy markets, secure energy supplies and developed interconnections and renewable energy sources;
greater public awareness of the need for environmental protection.

Background

In accordance with its foreign policy objectives, the EU promotes prosperity, solidarity, security and sustainable development in the world, as well as democracy and human rights. The ENP, initiated in 2003, pursues these objectives by promoting good neighbourhood relations. To achieve this, the ENPI, the financial instrument of the ENP for 2007-2013, supports the partner countries of the ENP by integrating the regional and cross-border dimension. It also pursues the objectives identified by the MEDA programme 2002-2006, drawing on the experience gained from it.

Related Act

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 4 December 2006 on strengthening the European neighbourhood policy [COM(2006) 726 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

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Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

This Regulation establishes the conditions and areas of financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with a view to contributing to economic, political and social development in the region. It will be replaced by the European Neighbourhood instrument when this comes into force.

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 1734/94 of 11 July 1994 on financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and Gaza Strip [see amending acts].

Summary

1. Originally titled “On financial and technical cooperation with the Occupied Territories”, the Regulation sets up financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

2. The financial and technical cooperation is intended to contribute to sustainable economic, political and social development in the region, with multi-annual programmes where possible.

3. Projects and operations under the Regulation cover infrastructure, production, urban and rural development, education, health, the environment, services, foreign trade, job creation, institution building, promotion of democracy and human rights and development of civil society. These activities are financed by grants and 3% interest rate subsidies.

4. Apart from the States and regions involved, other local, regional, private and non-Governmental bodies may also benefit from the support measures. Participation in invitations to tender and contracts is open on equal terms to all natural and legal persons in the Member States and in the Mediterranean partner States.

5. The aid may be combined with European Investment Bank (EIB) financing from own resources and may be used for co-financing with Member States, non-member countries in the region, multilateral bodies or the West Bank and Gaza Strip themselves.

6. The Commission is assisted by the MED Committee set up under Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 for financing decisions on the following matters:

projects and operations under the Regulation for amounts of over EUR 2 million other than those relating to interest rate subsidies on EIB loans;
financing decisions on overall allocations for technical cooperation, training and trade promotion.

7. Within an overall allocation, the Commission adopts financing decisions not exceeding EUR 2 000 000. It also adopts decisions amending financing decisions where they do not entail any substantial amendments or additional commitments in excess of 20 % of the original commitment. The financing decisions are subject to supervision and financial control by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), including on-the-spot audits and checks, and audits by the Court of Auditors.

References

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1734/94	19.7.1994	–	OJ L 182, 16.7.1994

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 2824/98	1.1.1999	–	OJ L 351 of 29.12.1998
Regulation (EC) No 2840/98	2.1.1999	–	OJ L 354 of 30.12.1998
Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003	20.11.2003	–	OJ L 284 of 30.10.2003
Regulation (EC) No 669/2004	17.4.2004	–	OJ L 105 of 14.4.2004
Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005	28.12.2005	–	OJ L 344 of 27.12.2005

Related Acts

Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument [Official Journal L 310 of 9.11.2006]

This Regulation repeals Regulation (EC) No 1734/94.

Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 September 2003 adapting to Council Decision 1999/468/EC the provisions relating to committees which assist the Commission in the exercise of its implementing powers laid down in instruments subject to the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the EC Treaty [Official Journal L 284 of 31.10.2003].

Mediterranean partner countries

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Mediterranean partner countries

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Mediterranean partner countries

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Mediterranean partner countries

GENERAL FRAMEWORK

Framework for relations

Partnership for democracy and prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean
Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean
Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean system of cumulation of origin

Barcelona Process: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
The Valencia Ministerial Conference and its Action Plan
Reinvigorating the Barcelona process
Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership
EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

European Neighbourhood Policy

New neighbourhood policy strategy
Taking stock of the European Neighbourhood Policy
Neighbourhood policy: participation in European Union Agencies and programmes
Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy paper
Neighbourhood Policy: 2008 Report
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2007
European Neighbourhood Policy: recommendations for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and for Egypt and Lebanon

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (2007 – 2013)
Euro-Mediterranean Regional Strategy and Indicative Programme 2007-2013
Inter-regional programme: Strategy paper 2007-2013 and indicative programme 2007-2010
Cross-border cooperation (CBC) 2007-2013
Common framework for joint multiannual programming
MEDA programme
Financial and technical cooperation with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

SECTORAL COOPERATION

Human rights and relations in the Mediterranean
Environment strategy for the Mediterranean
Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure
Cooperation with Non-EU Member Countries on nuclear safety
European Training Foundation (ETF)
Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries (2009-2013)
Action on HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries 2006 – 2009

Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

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Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Tenth anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 12 April 2005 – Tenth Anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership: A work programme to meet the challenges of the next five years [COM(2005) 139 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The Commission has identified the critical areas for the future of the Mediterranean region and for intensified relations between the EU and the MNCs.

It focuses on three key objectives:

promoting human rights and democracy;
supporting job creation and sustainable economic development by liberalising trade and promoting regional integration;
contributing to better education for all.

With these proposals the Commission wishes to realise the full potential offered by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. A detailed analysis of achievements and shortcomings has shown that cooperation methods can be improved further.

A new model of cooperation may be drawn up via the institutional framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). This would mean that new cooperation projects form part of a five-year work programme and benefit from the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements and the Neighbourhood Action Plans.

Human rights and democracy

The political dialogue set up by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership serves to develop common perceptions in the areas of democracy and respect for human rights. Greater emphasis will be placed on certain issues, such as gender equality, the promotion of fundamental and social rights and the role of civil society.

The Commission considers that new impetus must be given to the political dialogue to ensure stability and security in the Mediterranean region. It proposes to hold a conference on human rights and democratisation at sub-regional level. It also encourages the creation of a Democracy Facility under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.

Job creation and economic growth

The Commission considers that these two objectives will be met through trade liberalisation and sub-regional integration. Increased trade between the partners will be facilitated in particular by:

enhanced liberalisation of trade in services and establishment, and of trade in agricultural and fishery products;
increased convergence of technical legislation and regulations, upgrading of infrastructure to European standards;
the development of South-South trade relations by the signing of Free Trade Agreements between the MNCs. This type of agreement must also enable the preferential rules of the Pan-Euro-Med cumulation of origin to be implemented;
the establishment of appropriate budgetary and monetary policies, and the continuation of structural reforms aimed at lifting obstacles to growth, investment and job creation;
the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean Bank, taking into account the success of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) implemented by the European Investment Bank (EIB);
the development of a regional transport network and the reform of the sector, and the adoption of recommendations for the creation of Euro-Mediterranean interconnections;
the gradual establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean energy market and the development of energy infrastructures in the partner third countries;
the adoption of environmental measures designed to depollute the Mediterranean Sea by 2020.

Education

The contribution of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership to improving education and vocational training involves intensifying bilateral cooperation. The Commission intends to increase by at least 50% the proportion of financial aid devoted to education from 2007. In line with the Millennium Development Goals, this cooperation focuses on eradicating illiteracy, ensuring primary education for all and eliminating gender disparity at all levels of education.

Mobility in higher education will also be encouraged by extending existing programmes and by launching a new scheme of scholarships for university students co-financed by the MNCs.

Justice, freedom and security

The Commission recommends a series of actions aimed at enhancing cooperation, in particular in the area of migration and social integration of migrants. It recalls that local authorities and civil society play a key role in these areas.

Terrorism

The aim here is to pursue more practical and sustained cooperation in the fight against terrorism through a political dialogue at regional level. Bilateral state-to-state cooperation has proved insufficient and a new stage in the deepening of relations could be the adoption of a common Code of Conduct.

Weapons of mass destruction and ESDP

Attaining the objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership should lead to a Mediterranean region free of weapons of mass destruction and compliance by all the MNCs with their international obligations in this area. The Secretary General/High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) has taken the initiative of organising a workshop on this subject, aimed at developing Euro-Mediterranean cooperation within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

The Middle East Peace Process and the resolution of other conflicts

The appearance of conflicts is an obstacle to progress in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. This is why the EU supports cooperation and political dialogue among the parties. Even though the Barcelona Process is not a forum in which a settlement can be reached, it provides the instruments for maintaining peace.

The Commission proposes the signing of a Euro-Mediterranean charter for peace and stability and closer regional integration through the European Neighbourhood Policy. This strategy is suited to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and may be reproduced to help resolve other conflicts, in particular the Western Sahara conflict that is a significant obstacle to the development of the integration process within the Arab Maghreb Union.

Civil society

The new Anna Lindh Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures should promote the participation of civil society in the Barcelona Process. Additional mechanisms should strengthen this participation, in particular through the organisation of a Euro-Mediterranean civil forum. The results of the forum will be made operational through the Neighbourhood Policy and its financing instrument.

The Commission supports the Arab International Women’s Forum in its efforts to set up a network of women who are leaders in their areas of business.

Background

In this Communication, the Commission draws up the preparatory framework for the meetings of the Foreign Affairs Ministers in 2005. Most notable was the Extraordinary Conference in Barcelona celebrating the tenth anniversary of a strong partnership between the EU and the MNCs, based on the basic principles of the Partnership, namely dialogue and cooperation.

The Luxembourg Conference (‘Barcelona VII’) aims to make concrete progress in the areas described above. To this end, the Commission attaches to its recommendations a timetable of measures to be taken in the short and medium term to achieve an integrated Euro-Mediterranean area by 2010.

Related Acts

BARCELONA SUMMIT CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN PARTNERSHIP, 27-28 NOVEMBER 2005.

(pdf).
The Barcelona Summit saw the adoption of new objectives and a five-year work programme to improve the partnership’s impact on people’s lives and to make its results more visible.

Political and security partnership. The EU and its partners remain committed to making the Euro-Mediterranean region an area of peace, security and prosperity. This commitment concerns both the resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and other issues such as strengthening the partnership, developing joint regional projects, sustainable development and consolidating the rule of law, democracy and human rights. Citizens and civil society should be more involved, particularly in the decision-making process. The EU will support the reforms on the basis of the shared principles and values and the priorities under the ENP action plans. For their part, the partners will primarily have to undertake to meet international election standards, further the human rights dialogues envisaged under the association agreements and implement the code of conduct on countering terrorism. Dialogue concerning the ESDP and security issues should also be stepped up so as to consolidate the partners’ cooperation on conflict and natural disaster prevention, crisis management and civil protection.
Sustainable socio-economic development and reforms. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership aims to improve employment and GDP levels and reduce poverty and wealth disparities. In order to achieve this, a business-friendly climate, particularly one which is favourable to small and medium-sized enterprises, must be created. The partners will establish a roadmap identifying the steps to be taken to create a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area by 2010. Trade in agricultural and fisheries products and trade in services should be progressively liberalised. It will also be necessary to speed up the signing of association agreements, promote regional agreements and bilateral free trade agreements and encourage the entry into force of the Agadir Agreement. Existing instruments such as the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Protocol will also have to be promoted. Cooperation also concerns industrial products, health, the environment, transport, energy and tourism. It is planned to open up Community programmes such as the Eureka programme on research and innovation to all the partners and to apply the methodology used in the EU regional policy.
Education and socio-cultural exchanges. Because of its crucial role in political, economic and social development, education should be improved and strengthened, so as to contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Objectives will be identified for moving towards quality education which is open to all and tailored to labour market needs. Achieving these objectives should involve increasing funding for education through EU aid programmes and national programmes, including the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), increasing the number of enrolments in an increased number of schools and extending programmes to fight illiteracy. Intercultural knowledge and understanding will benefit mainly from increased support for the work of the Anna Lindh Foundation, the involvement of civil society, measures to encourage mobility, etc.
Migration, social integration, justice and security. These issues will be handled using a comprehensive and integrated approach and increased cooperation. The means for achieving the objectives identified should essentially be meetings of Ministers and experts, frameworks encouraging exchanges of experience, dialogue with and assistance to countries of origin and transit and strengthened administrative and institutional capacities. Cooperation on illegal immigration should be stepped up by dealing with all the aspects involved (readmission agreements, the fight against people trafficking, capacity building). Cooperation between the legal/judicial professions on the one hand and the police and law enforcement authorities on the other should be strengthened by means of contacts, training and technical assistance on the basis of the existing instruments (Euromed Justice, Euromed Police, etc.).

(pdf).

OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the preparation of the Tampere Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Affairs Ministers Conference (27-28 November 2006) – The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership: Time to deliver

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 25 October 2006 on the preparation of the Tampere Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Affairs Ministers Conference (27-28 November 2006) – The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership: Time to deliver [COM(2006) 620 final – not published in the Official Journal].
With a view to the Tampere Conference, the Commission summarises the successes of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. It proposes key areas in which action is required as part of the implementation of the five-year work programme. These key areas are political and security dialogue, implementation of the code of conduct on countering terrorism, the establishment of a Euro-Med area for free trade and investment, energy and transport, the environment, education and social development, strengthening the role of women in society, information society, cultural dialogue and migration.
The Commission also proposes reviewing the working methods, so as to improve communication on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and the preparation of Euro-Med meetings and conferences by involving participants and giving them more responsibility.

Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure

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Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Euro-African Partnership for infrastructure

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 13 July 2007 – Interconnecting Africa: the EU-Africa partnership on infrastructure [COM(2006) 376 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

Infrastructure in Africa: state of play

Limited access to transport, telecommunications, and energy and drinking-water services constitutes an important obstacle to reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. The development of suitable infrastructure and related services will make it possible to increase economic growth and stimulate trade and regional integration.

African transport systems remain underdeveloped, the movement of persons and goods being based essentially on road transport, with its insufficient connections and services. The continent’s energy potential, while high, is not used efficiently. Water resources are unequally distributed and subject to significant seasonal fluctuations; moreover, most of the population does not have access to drinking water and to basic sanitation. Lastly, access to telecommunications services is costly and patchy, with the African digital divide being the highest in the world.

In the 1990s, African governments and European Union (EU) Member States gradually reduced the resources allocated to developing infrastructure in the continent. More investment is therefore needed. The EU intends to pursue the progress that has already been made thanks to cooperation between the Commission, African governments and other donors. For example, the development of trade and regional economic integration have benefited from the improvement of the primary road network and seaports.

A partnership for meeting challenges

Faced with these challenges, the EU is launching a partnership with Africa for the development of large infrastructure networks in the continent. The partnership is based on the EU strategy for Africa and on the objectives defined by the short-term action plan in the field of infrastructure (i-STAP) of the African Union (AU) and NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development).

The partnership is based mainly on infrastructure allowing interconnection at continental and regional level in Africa, namely:

transport (road and railway networks, ports, maritime and river routes, air transport), in order to reduce costs and improve the quality of services;
water and sanitation networks, in order to improve the management of water resources at local, national and cross-border basin level, and also access to drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities;
energy, in order to allow network extension, distribution in rural areas and improvement of cross-border connections;
information and communication technologies (ICT), to ensure adequate access to affordable technologies by supporting regulatory reform, capacity building and broadband infrastructure development.

The partnership supports physical infrastructure investment, institutional development measures and capacity building, as well as support measures for the political and regulatory framework at national level.

Africa could also benefit from the experience acquired by the EU through the development of Trans-European Networks (TENs) of regional infrastructure, in particular, the methodology for identifying priority projects and the principles for consensus-building on the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks.

Partnership operations are guided by a desire for coherence between investments at continental and regional level and national strategies for the development of infrastructure and combating poverty. The partnership therefore functions at three levels:

at the continental level, UA-NEPAD coordinates continental and regional priority setting;
at the regional level, regional indicative programmes support the policy and regulatory frameworks accompanying physical investments;
at the national level, UA-NEPAD and EU delegations jointly supervise national actions contributing to the achievement of partnership objectives.

The funding of operations under the partnership is based on several instruments:

the regional and national allocations under the 10^th European Development Fund (EDF), i.e. €5.6 billion. This amount represents a significant increase in the resources allocated thus far by the EDF to African infrastructures (€3.75 billion under the 9^th EDF);
intra-ACP resources, including those allocated through the energy and water facilities.
the new fiduciary fund set up by the EU and the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at cross-border infrastructure investments in particular. This fund is co-financed by the Commission, the Member States concerned and European and African financial development institutions. During the initial phase (2006-2007), the fund was credited with €87 million, which will be allocated in the form of grants from the Community and Member States, and another €260 million to be allocated in the form of loans by the EIB.

In order to ensure the success of the partnership, effective coordination between the Commission, Member States and other international initiatives and organisations such as the World Bank and the EIB is necessary. This coordination should bolster ownership of projects by beneficiaries, in particular through political commitment by governments to applying good governance in all infrastructure sectors. Private sector participation in the partnership is also encouraged.

Key figures of the Act
Total population of Africa with no access to drinking water: 42 %. Total population with no access to basic sanitation: 60 %. Total population with no access to electricity: more than 80%. Total potential hydroelectric capacity converted into electricity: 7 %.

Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements

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Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements

Acts

Decision 2006/356/EC, Decision 2005/690/EC, Decision 2004/635/EC, Decision 2002/357/EC, Decision 2000/384/EC, Decision 2000/204/EC, Decision 98/238/EC, concerning the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and, respectively, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Israel, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Tunisia.

Summary

The Euro-Mediterranean partnership between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the Southern Mediterranean began in 1995 by the Barcelona process. The political, economic and social partnership is based on the principles of reciprocity, solidarity and co-development.

Under this framework, the Association Agreements have been adopted between the EU, the Member States and the Mediterranean country partners. These bilateral agreements replace the first generation of agreements, i.e. the cooperation agreements of the 1970s.

Adherence to democratic principles and fundamental rights are an essential element of the association agreements.

Although they are bilateral agreements and provide for specific arrangements with each partner State, the association agreements share a similar structure. They are intended to promote the following:

regular dialogue on political and security matters, in order to promote mutual understanding, cooperation and joint initiatives;
economic, trade and financial cooperation, aimed in particular at gradual trade liberalisation, sustainable development of the region and investment;
social and cultural cooperation and on educational matters, in particular through intercultural dialogue, migration control, developing qualifications, promoting labour law and gender equality.

In addition, the agreements encourage intra-regional cooperation between the Mediterranean countries, as a factor for peace, stability and economic and social development.

Towards a free trade area

The association agreements provide for the gradual establishment of a Mediterranean free trade area in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This free trade area shall be established after a transitional period of twelve years following the entry into force of the agreements. However, free trade between the EU and Israel already exists.

The free movement of goods between the EU and the Mediterranean countries is to result from:

the gradual removal of customs duties;
the prohibition of quantitive restrictions on exports and imports, and any similar or discriminatory measures between the parties.

The rules will have particular relevance for imports of industrial products and trade in agricultural products, processed or otherwise, and fisheries products.

Safeguard measures may, however, be applied if they are in the public interest, or to protect economic sectors that are particularly vulnerable.

Regarding the right of establishment and the supply of services, the parties reaffirm their commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). In addition, the partners must promote the full liberalisation of the capital sector as soon as the necessary conditions are in place.

Lastly, a mechanism for regulating trade disputes shall be gradually established.

Institutional provisions

Institutional structures are set up under each association agreement. An Association Council, organised at ministerial level, takes decisions and makes recommendations so that fixed objectives can be attained, while an Association Committee manages the agreement and settles differences regarding its application and interpretation.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision 2006/356/EC, Lebanese Republic	1.4.2006	–	OJ L 143 of 30.5.2006
Decision 2005/690/EC, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria	1.9.2005	–	OJ L 265 of 10.10.2005
Decision 2004/635/EC, Arab Republic of Egypt	1.6.2004	–	OJ L 304 of 30.9.2004
Decision 2002/357/EC, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan	1.5.2002	–	OJ L 129 of 15.5.2002
Decision 2000/384/EC, State of Israel	1.6.2000	–	OJ L 147 of 21.6.2000
Decision 2000/204/EC, Kingdom of Morocco	1.3.2000	–	OJ L 138 of 9.6.2000
Decision 98/238/EC, Republic of Tunisia	1.3.1998	–	OJ L 97 of 30.3.1998

Related Acts

Algeria

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, of the other part [OJ L 265 of 10.10.2005].

Palestinian Authority

Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organization for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part, [OJ L 187 of 16.7.1997].
The Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement is intended to apply to the parties until a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement is concluded. It is mainly concerned with non-political aspects of trade and cooperation between the parties.

Egypt

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, of the other part [OJ L 304 of 30.9.2004].

Jordan

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part [OJ L 129 of 15.5.2002].

Israel

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part [OJ L 147 of 21.6.2000].

Lebanon

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part [Official Journal L 143 of 30.5.2006].

Morocco

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part [OJ L 070, 18.3.2000].

Tunisia

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, of the other part [OJ L 97 of 30.3.1998].

This summary is for information only. It is not designed to interpret or replace the reference document, which remains the only binding legal text.

Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership

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Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Barcelona Declaration and Euro-Mediterranean partnership

Document or Iniciative

Final Declaration of the Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference of 27 and 28 November 1995 and its work programme.

Summary

The European Union (EU) establishes a multilateral cooperation with the countries of the Mediterranean basin. This partnership represents a new phase in their relationship. For the first time it addresses economic, social, human, and cultural aspects and questions of common security.

This partnership became a reality with the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration by the EU Member States and the following 12 Mediterranean non-member countries (MNCs): Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. The League of Arab States and the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) (FR) were invited, as was Mauritania as a member of the UMA.

The partnership is based on a spirit of solidarity, with due regard for the characteristics specific to each of the participants. It supplements the other activities and initiatives undertaken in the interests of the peace, stability and development of the region.

Political and security partnership

The first objective of the partnership is to promote the emergence of a common area of peace and stability in the Mediterranean. This objective is to be achieved through multilateral political dialogue, in addition to the bilateral dialogues provided for by the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements. The partners therefore undertake to:

respect human rights and fundamental principles by applying the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international law, and and to exchange information in these areas;
respect the principles of the rule of law and democracy, while recognising the right of each partner to choose and freely develop its own political, socio-cultural, economic and judicial system;
respect the sovereignty of States, the equal rights of peoples and their right to self-determination;
respect territorial integrity, the principles of non-intervention in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of conflicts;
combat terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking;
promote regional security, eliminate weapons of mass destruction, and adhere to international and regional nuclear non-proliferation regimes, as well as arms control and disarmament agreements.

The partners support the fair, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of conflicts in the Middle East, founded specifically on the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

Economic and financial partnership

The sustainable and balanced socio-economic development of the MNCs should lead to the establishment of an area of shared prosperity in the Mediterranean.

The reforms should enable the creation of Free Trade Areas (FTAs) which involves the gradual elimination of customs barriers (taxation and non-taxation) to trade in manufactured products. The partners also envisage a gradual liberalisation of agricultural products and services.

The establishment of Euro-Mediterranean FTAs is included in the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements and the Free Trade Agreements between the MNCs. These agreements are concluded in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The partners define priorities for facilitating the establishment of the FTA:

adopting a customs system of cumulation of origin of goods;
adapting competition rules, the certification of economic operators and the protection of intellectual property rights;
developing the market economy, the private sector, technology transfer, and the economic integration of the MNCs;
modernising economic and social structures, and promoting programmes for the benefit of the neediest populations;
promoting free trade, harmonising customs rules and procedures, and eliminating unwarranted technical barriers to trade in agricultural products.

In addition, the economic cooperation undertaken by the partners aims to:

promote private savings and investments, including direct foreign investment;
encourage regional cooperation between the MNCs;
create a favourable environment for industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
achieve sustainable management of the environment, energy, natural resources and fish stocks;
promote the role of women in the economy;
modernise agriculture.

The partners must also set cooperation priorities for transport infrastructures, the development of information technologies and the modernisation of telecommunications.

Lastly, the partners must increase their financial cooperation and the EU must increase its financial assistance, specifically in the form of loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Social, cultural and human partnership

The partners cooperate with the aim of developing human resources, and promoting understanding between cultures and exchanges between civil societies.

To this end, the Barcelona Declaration and its work programme emphasise:

the importance of intercultural dialogue, and of dialogues between religions;
the importance of the role the media can play in the reciprocal recognition and understanding of cultures;
cultural exchanges, knowledge of other languages, implementation of educational and cultural programmes that respect cultural identities;
the importance of health and social development and respect for fundamental social rights;
the participation of civil society in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and strengthening cooperation between regional and local authorities;
combating illegal immigration, terrorism, drug trafficking, international crime and corruption.

Context

The Barcelona Declaration provides for periodic meetings of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Mediterranean partners and the EU. These Euro-Mediterranean Conferences are prepared by the Euro-Mediterranean Committee for the Barcelona process, which is also responsible for monitoring the process and the cooperation priorities.

EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

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EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

EU Common Strategy for the Mediterranean

This Strategy, which builds on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Barcelona process), pursues cooperation between the EU, the Mediterranean region and Libya in a vast range of areas including security, democracy, justice and the economy. The objective is promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region. It was initially planned to run for four years up to 2004 but has been extended to January 2006.

Acts

Common Strategy 2000/458/CFSP of the European Council of 19 June 2000 on the Mediterranean region [See amending acts]

Summary

The Strategy covers all the EU’s relations with all it partners in the Barcelona process and with Libya. It was initially adopted for four years (expiring on 23 July 2004) but was extended by the European Council on 5 November 2004 until 23 January 2006.

In view of the Mediterranean region’s strategic importance for the European Union and the challenges it faces, the EU considers the two sides must work together as partners with a common vision and mutual respect. The principle of partnership implies active support by both sides to develop good neighbourly relations, improve prosperity, eliminate poverty, promote and protect fundamental freedoms, encourage cultural and religious tolerance, and develop cooperation with civil society including NGOs. The European Union will do so by supporting the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and contributing to the consolidation of peace in the Middle East.

Objectives

The European Union’s goal is to help secure peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Its objectives also include promotion of core values such as human rights, democracy, good governance, transparency and the rule of law. Social, cultural and human affairs also play a role in promoting mutual understanding. Free trade, closer cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs, greater security through cooperation to promote peace and dialogue to combat intolerance, racism and xenophobia are further objectives.

Efforts will also be undertaken to enhance coordination, coherent and complementarity between the EU and its Member States and between its Mediterranean policy and policies for other partners.

Areas of action

On the political and security front, the Union will strengthen dialogue at all levels through cooperation and exchange of information in order to establish a common area of peace and stability. Conflict prevention and other issues such as anti-personnel mines are other central issues of concern. The EU also attaches great importance to the signature and ratification of non-proliferation instruments and the establishment of a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass-destruction and nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

On democracy, human rights and the rule of law, it is essential to strengthen democratic institutions and to promote good governance and accession to international human rights instruments. In more concrete terms the Union would like to see the death penalty abolished in the region.

In the economic and financial field implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements to promote the progressive liberalisation of trade is the principal objective in strengthening the private sector and making the region more attractive to investors. Appropriate trade policies, accession by partners to the World Trade Organisation on the right terms, support for subregional cooperation and greater South-South trade are also goals. The Union will not neglect the need for interconnection of infrastructure, improved water management strategies and the creation of a market economy with a social dimension.

The impact of financial cooperation under the MEDA Regulation will be maximised through coordination of national and Community strategies, enhanced economic dialogue and coherent use of all the resources available.

Environmental concerns will also be taken into account to ensure sustainable economic development.

The core social issues are participation by civil society and NGOs in the partnership, cooperation to promote equal opportunities for men and women and dialogue. On the cultural side, the aim is to improve education and vocational training particularly for young people and women.

There are a number of issues in the justice and home affairs area. Migration is one of them. The EU intends to simplify visa issue procedures, combat illegal migration networks, ensure more effective border control, reduce the causes of migration and help ensure the integration into society of all persons residing legally in the Community and prevent their double taxation. There must be a review of the legal systems, and in particular civil law problems relating to the laws of succession and family law, including divorce, to make them more transparent and predictable. Refugees and measures to combat crime are two other European concerns in this area. Compliance with the Geneva Convention and accession to the United Nations Convention are also desirable.

Instruments and means

The Council and the Commission ensure the consistency, unity and effectiveness of the Union’s action. The Council and its Presidency are assisted by the Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Member States make appropriate and coordinated use of the instruments and means at their disposal.

The programmes, instruments and policies have to be reviewed by the Council, the Commission and Member States to maintain consistency. They must also make full and appropriate use of the instruments and means available and make greater efforts to coordinate and cooperate particularly within regional and international organisations.

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Common Strategy 2000/458/CFSP	22.07.2000	–	OJ L 183 of 22.07.2000

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Decision 2004/763/CFSP	13.11.2004	–	OJ L 337 of 13.11.2004

Related Acts

by the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference in Barcelona on 27 and 28 November 1995 and its work programme.

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 6 September 2000 to prepare the fourth meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers ” reinvigorating the Barcelona process” [COM(2000) 497 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 13 February 2002 to prepare the meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers in Valence on 22 and 23 April 2002 [SEC(2002) 159 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 21 May 2003, “Reinvigorating EU actions on human rights and democratisation with Mediterranean partners – Strategic guidelines” [COM(2003) 294 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Reinvigorating the Barcelona process

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Reinvigorating the Barcelona process

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Reinvigorating the Barcelona process

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

Reinvigorating the Barcelona process

To assess the current state of the Barcelona process and establish a new action framework in order to reinvigorate the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

2) Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament of 6 September 2000 to prepare the fourth meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers « reinvigorating the Barcelona process » [COM(2000) 497 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

3) Summary

This communication forms one stage in the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, in accordance with the European Union’s common strategy on the Mediterranean adopted during the European Council meeting in Santa Maria da Feira in June 2000. It forms the foundation of the position adopted by the European Union (EU) during the meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers in November 2000 in Marseilles.

The Commission aims to reinvigorate the relations between the European Union and the Mediterranean partners in order to achieve the goals set out in the Barcelona Declaration of 1995, namely to create an area of peace and stability based on respect for fundamental rights, to create an area of shared prosperity and to help improve mutual understanding among the peoples of the region.

The Barcelona process aims to promote the relations between the EU and the countries and territories of the Mediterranean Basin. Established in 1995, it is a regional framework bringing partners together at both technical and political level to promote and develop their common interests. This multilateral process is underpinned by a network of bilateral relations between each Mediterranean partner and the EU, embodied in Association Agreements.

Since the launch of this process, a new spirit of partnership has been built and, despite the ebb and flow of the Middle East peace process, numerous ambitious projects have been carried out to encourage cooperation. In total, the EU has mobilised nearly EUR 9 billion in grant and loan funding during the 1995-1999 period.

However, the ambitious goals of the Barcelona process have come up against several problems:

the difficulties encountered in the Middle East peace process have slowed the progress of the work and limited the development of cooperation;
the process of negotiation and ratification of the Association Agreements has been slower than expected;
the spirit of partnership has not always led to the expected results particularly in the area of human rights;
some partners have been reluctant to apply the specified economic transition policy;
the volume of South-South trade is still very low and the levels of investment in some countries remain below the forecasts (inadequate legal and technical adaptation, lack of transparency in trade);
the implementation of the MEDA programme has been hampered by procedural problems.

However, the Commission considers that the basic strategy agreed at Barcelona and the main instruments available are still valid. As a result, it intends to revitalise the Barcelona process in light of the experience gained in order to give it another chance of succeeding. Several proposals were made in this respect during the Ministerial Conference in Marseilles in November 2000.

As regards the Association Agreements, the countries of the Mediterranean Basin which have not already done this must be persuaded to rapidly conclude the negotiations. It must be guaranteed that any subsequent Association Agreement will be ratified by the Member States of the European Union within two years of signature.

In trade terms, for each country that has signed the Association Agreement, the reciprocal trade liberalisation measures that may be adopted must be examined closely and the greatest possible coherence in trade relations with the other partners must be sought. The Commission also encourages all the partners to join the World Trade Organisation and to create a free trade area between them. Any country signing an Association Agreement should undertake to conclude a free trade agreement with the other signatories of an Association Agreement within five years of its conclusion. A timetable should be established with the partners for the « single market » type harmonisation measures to be adopted in certain priority sectors (rules of origin, customs issues, standards and intellectual property). This programme should be ready for implementation from 2004.

Financially, the Commission proposes to make future financial contributions conditional on the efforts made by the partners in concluding the Association Agreements and on the necessary political and economic reforms. In addition, the granting of financial aid would depend on the progress made in democracy and human rights. Further efforts should be made to reinforce the effectiveness of the regional cooperation programmes.

In terms of political cooperation, a Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Peace and Stability should institutionalise the existing political dialogue and establish the mechanisms allowing the security and stability problems in the region to be tackled.

11. Finally, a new programme aimed at raising the awareness of both the Member States and the partner countries should be launched to improve understanding of the Barcelona process, particularly by introducing a new « Euro-Mediterranean partnership » label for the projects undertaken.

4) Implementing Measures

5) Follow-Up Work

The fourth Euro-Mediterranean Conference was held in Marseilles on 15 and 16 November 2000. It brought together the foreign ministers of the fifteen Member States and of Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey. Libya and Syria refused to take part. Also present were Mr Solana, High Representative for the CFSP and Secretary-General of the Council, Mr Patten, Commissioner, and, as special guests, representatives from Libya, the Arab League, Mauritania and the Arab Maghreb Union.

The Conference resulted in « formal conclusions » of the French presidency.

The ministers noted with great interest the proposals for revitalising the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership put forward by the Commission in its Communication on « Reinvigorating the Barcelona process » and the contributions made by the Mediterranean partners.

On the political and security partnership, the ministers confirmed the special importance they attached to the draft Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Peace and Stability but they decided to defer its adoption owing to the political context. However, they reaffirmed the need to reinforce the political dialogue, to deepen this in the areas of terrorism and migration and to extend this to other areas such as security, disarmament, the rule of law and human rights.

On the economic and commercial partnership, while reaffirming the objective of creating a free trade area by 2010, the participants decided to step up the dialogue on the macroeconomic environment, structural reforms and the economic liberalisation of the partners. They also underlined the importance for those countries having signed an Association Agreement with the EU of concluding free trade agreements amongst themselves within five years and of developing the initiatives contributing to attaining that objective, including the introduction of diagonal cumulation between countries with identical rules of origin and committed to concluding a free trade agreement between themselves. The emphasis was placed on the value of establishing an indicative timetable for the adoption of harmonisation measures in certain priority sectors, enabling partner countries to benefit fully from the Euro-Mediterranean market.

As regards the social, cultural and human partnership, the ministers recommended taking greater account of the social effects of the economic transition in national programmes by placing the emphasis on training, employment, professional requalification and the reform of education systems. They advocated building up existing programmes in the cultural area, such as Euromed Heritage and Euromed-Audiovisual, and also launching Euromed-Human Sciences. In addition, they recommended intensifying dialogue on migration and human exchanges. The preparation of a regional programme in the field of justice and home affairs was also recommended. Finally, the ministers encouraged players from civil society to take a full part in the regional programmes.

On financial cooperation, the participants advocated efficient financial cooperation targeted towards the major challenges of the partnership through the MEDA programme. This instrument must be closely linked to the implementation of reforms initiated under the Association Agreements and must take account of the special characteristics of each partner.

In addition, the ministers recommended strengthening the subregional dimension of the partnership by encouraging the introduction of development and economic integration initiatives between the countries and territories of the south side of the Mediterranean.

Finally, the ministers decided to establish a communication and information programme and a Euro-Mediterranean label intended to increase public awareness in the partnership region.

MEDA programme

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MEDA programme

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about MEDA programme

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Mediterranean partner countries

MEDA programme

To implement the cooperation measures designed to help Mediterranean non-member countries reform their economic and social structures and mitigate the social and environmental consequences of economic development.

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership [Official Journal L 189 of 30.07.1996].

Summary

1. The MEDA Regulation is the principal instrument of economic and financial cooperation under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. It was launched in 1996 (MEDA I) and amended in 2000 (MEDA II). It enables the European Union (EU) to provide financial and technical assistance to the countries in the southern Mediterranean: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, the Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. The MEDA programme takes the place of the various bilateral financial protocols that exist with the countries in the Mediterranean basin. It is inspired by the Phare and TACIS programmes, especially as regards transparency and information. A budget heading is established for financing the programme.

2. Actions under the MEDA programme aim to fulfil the objectives of the three sectors of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership:

reinforcing political stability and democracy;
creating a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area and the development of economic and social cooperation;
taking due account of the human and cultural dimension.

Measures supported

3. The MEDA programme supports the economic transition of Mediterranean non-member countries (MNCs) and the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area by promoting economic and social reforms for the modernisation of enterprises and the development of the private sector, paying particular attention to:

support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and job creation;
the opening-up of markets;
promotion of private investment, industrial cooperation and trade between the various partners;
upgrading of economic infrastructure, including the financial and taxation systems;
consolidation of the major financial balances and creation of an economic environment favourable to accelerated growth (support for structural adjustment).

4. The MEDA programme also supports sustainable socio-economic development, in particular through:

the participation of civil society and populations in the planning and implementation of development measures;
the improvement of social services (education, health, housing, water, etc.);
harmonious and integrated rural development, including agricultural development;
the strengthening of democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
the protection and improvement of the environment;
the upgrading of economic infrastructure, especially in the sectors of transport, energy and the information society;
the promotion of youth exchanges and cultural cooperation;
the development of human resources (vocational training, improvement of scientific and technological research).

5. In addition, MEDA supports regional, sub-regional and cross-border cooperation, in particular through:

the establishment and development of structures for regional cooperation between Mediterranean partners and between them and the EU and its Member States;
the establishment of the infrastructure necessary for regional trade in the areas of transport, communications and energy;
exchanges between civil society in the Community and the Mediterranean partners within the framework of decentralised cooperation through the networking of civil society actors (universities, local communities, associations, trade unions, the media, private business, non-governmental organisations, etc.).

6. The Regulation stresses that the programming and implementation of cooperation must take account of gender equality and the promotion of the role of women in economic and social life. The measures financed under the Regulation must also give due regard to environmental considerations.

7. According to the MEDA Regulation, respect for democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential element of the partnership, the violation of which justifies the adoption of appropriate measures. These measures can be adopted by the Council acting by a qualified majority on a Commission proposal.

Financing

8. In order to achieve its objectives, the MEDA II programme was allocated EUR 5 350 million for the 2000-2006 period.

9. The activities financed under MEDA may take the form of technical assistance, training, institution-building, information, seminars, studies, projects for investment and action designed to highlight the Community nature of the assistance.

10. In particular, MEDA financing takes the form of:

grants managed by the European Commission and used to finance or cofinance activities, projects or programmes that contribute to the realisation of the MEDA programme’s objectives;
risk capital provided and managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to strengthen the private sector, especially the financial sector;
interest rate subsidies for EIB loans within the framework of environmental cooperation, not exceeding a subsidy rate of 3%.

11. Community financing may cover expenditure on import of goods and services and local expenditure needed to carry out the projects and programmes envisaged. Taxes, duties and charges are excluded from Community financing. Direct financial assistance for the partner country may also be granted to support economic reform programmes within the framework of structural adjustment programmes.

12. Community financing in the production sector is combined with the beneficiary’s own resources. The amount provided by the EU should not exceed 80% of the total investment costs. Community financing may also take the form of cofinancing with other bodies.

13. The beneficiaries of MEDA financing may include not only states and regions but also local authorities, regional organisations, public agencies, local communities, organisations supporting business, private operators, cooperatives, mutual societies, associations, foundations and non-governmental organisations in the EU and the Mediterranean partners.

Programming

14. The Commission plays an important role in ensuring the effective coordination of the assistance efforts undertaken by the Community, including the EIB, and individual Member States, in order to increase the coherence and complementarity of their cooperation programmes. In addition, the Commission promotes coordination and cooperation with international financial institutions and other donors.

15. Measures financed under the MEDA programme are selected taking account of the beneficiaries’ priorities, evolving needs, absorption capacity and progress towards structural reform. The provisions of association or cooperation agreements are also taken into consideration.

16. Strategy papers covering the 2000-2006 period are drawn up at national and regional level in liaison with the EIB. These strategy papers aim to define the objectives of cooperation in the long term and determine the priority areas of action.

17. National Indicative Programmes (NIPs) and Regional Indicative Programmes (RIPs) covering a three-year period are then drawn up on the basis of the strategy papers and agreed by the EU and each Mediterranean partner. These programmes define the main objectives of, the guidelines for, and the priority sectors of Community support together with factors for the evaluation of the programmes. The programmes include indicative amounts and list the criteria for funding the programme concerned. They may be updated annually and adapted to changes in each partner country.

18. Finally, financing decisions are drawn up annually on the basis of the national and regional indicative programmes in liaison with the EIB. They contain a list of the projects to be financed.

Procedures

19. The strategy papers, indicative programmes and financing decisions are adopted by the Commission, according to the management procedure, following consultation of the MED Committee, composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission representative. For greater efficiency, financing decisions totalling less than EUR 2 million are taken by the Commission, which then informs the MED Committee immediately.

20. Decisions on interest rate subsidies are taken by the Commission, which informs the EIB of any such decisions. The EIB decides on the allocation of risk capital following approval by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and informs the Commission accordingly.

21. The actions and programmes financed under MEDA are subject to the award of contracts through tendering procedures which are open on equal terms to all natural and legal persons in the EU Member States and the Mediterranean partners. The Commission ensures the necessary transparency and effective competition in the award of these contracts and maximum dissemination of the relevant information through the Official Journal of the European Communities and the Internet.

22. Contracts are awarded in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EC Financial Regulation, taking into account the principles of sound financial management, economy and cost-effectiveness.

Monitoring and evaluation

23. In addition to an overall assessment report and a mid-term evaluation, the Commission, in collaboration with the EIB, submits an annual report to the European Parliament and the Council summarising the actions financed during the year and assessing the results obtained in relation to the strategy papers. This assessment is now included in the Commission’s annual report on EC development policy and the implementation of external aid (2001 report) [PDF ].

24. No later than 31 December 2005, the Commission must submit to the Council an evaluation report accompanied by proposals regarding the future of the MEDA programme with a view to its review by the Council.

References

Act	Entry into force – Date of expiry	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1488/96	2.8.1996	–	OJ L 189 of 30.7.1996

Amending act(s)	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 780/98	18.4.1998	–	OJ L 113 of 15.4.1998
Regulation (EC) No 2698/2000	15.12.2000	–	OJ L 311 of 12.12.2000
Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005	28.12.2005	–	OJ L 344 of 27.12.2005

Related Acts

This Regulation repeals the MEDA programme.

Council Decision of 23 January 2006 enabling countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as Russia, to benefit from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) Programme [Official Journal L 32 of 4.2.2006].