Mediterranean policy?
For the past fortnight, the Mediterranean has become the subject of a multitude of "major policy" ie different international political process to transform the Mediterranean area through the implementation of resources and joint initiatives with partners such actions.
The reconfiguration of the Barcelona Process
The Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Barcelona in 1995 was the origin of the Euro-Mediterranean process. She then meets the foreign ministers of 27 countries, 15 of those members of the European Union and those of 12 Mediterranean Partner Countries called (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, the Palestinian Authority, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta). These representatives agreed at the end of this conference, a declaration, known as the Barcelona Declaration, the terms rather ambitious, defined three aspects of cooperation: political - economic - social, cultural & human. A first step towards a better integration of the Mediterranean was therefore initiated. In fact, the birth of this partnership in 1995 corresponded to somehow take into account new realities geopolitical who then restored the Mediterranean its role as a crossroads.
The European Neighbourhood Policy in question
The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) has initially been considered only for Eastern Europe as an alternative to membership, before being extended in a unified way the countries south of the EU, perspective of securing stability and European prosperity. The Mediterranean is one of the geographical areas in the heart of the ENP. Its purpose is to promote political reforms (particularly regarding the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights) and further economic integration between the EU and its neighbors. First, based on bilateral partnerships (Action Plan, country reports) and various financing instruments, it evolves gradually.
The Union for the Mediterranean: Mediterranean stimulus project?
In 2007, an initiative of the French Presidency has just restart the Euro-Mediterranean partnership through the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) project. Designed initially independently, this project is finally integrated into the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, becoming a new stage. The bet is made to obtain the commitment of the highest representatives of the states and institutions to give it extra weight. The Union for the Mediterranean was officially launched in Paris on 13 July 2008 during a summit meeting for the first time the heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries and their counterparts in the Mediterranean Partner Countries. This summit gives rise to the approval of a joint declaration establishing this new initiative.
Towards a Mediterranean macro-region?
In June 2009, the Commission approved the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBR for its acronym in English). This document is the culmination of a reflection over the past 10 years, including at European level, governance and the new regionalism. The Baltic is the first European area to adopt such a strategy based on the observation of a strong interdependence and similar challenges to better protect the environment and ensure a harmonious social and economic development This "macro-region".
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