Main results of the ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’ ministerial conference
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Bernard Kouchner
© MAEE, Frédéric de La Mure
- from: 03.11.2008
- to: 04.11.2008
- In: Marseille
The ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’ ministerial conference, held in Marseilles from 3-4 November and co-chaired by the French and Egyptian foreign affairs ministers, Bernard Kouchner and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, ended in an overall agreement which made the ambition for a reinforced Mediterranean-focused partnership, as expressed in Paris on 13 July at the Summit of Heads of State or Government, a reality.
The foreign affairs ministers of the countries party to the process, now called the ‘Union for the Mediterranean’, adopted a declaration on governance, projects and regional political dialogue.
The governance of the process was clarified, particularly with regard to the role and functioning of the secretariat, responsible for implementing the specific projects. The new institutions will implement the major principles adopted at the Paris Summit, taking the direction of a more shared, balanced and lasting style of cooperation around the Mediterranean. This new form of governance will strengthen all the members’ ownership of the process.
The ministers also reached a unanimous agreement on the participation of the Arab League at all the meetings and at all levels.
The work programme of the Union for the Mediterranean for the year 2009 was adopted. The meetings taking place next year will allow the implementation of specific, regional projects in the six areas identified at the Paris Summit, of which all six came under review.
On the political front, an ambitious text was adopted. The ministers reaffirmed the will shared by all for the Union for the Mediterranean to contribute to peace, stability and development in the region. They affirmed the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative and reiterated their support for the Annapolis process and for the indirect dialogue between Israel and Syria. They welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria and Lebanon.
The Marseilles meeting represents an undeniable success for the momentum launched in Paris on 13 July, bringing together the members of the European Union and their Mediterranean partners.
After this meeting Marseille hosted another event - the "Etats Généraux Culturels Mediterranéens", a forum to discuss and debate ideas involving the participation of leading actors in the Euro-Mediterranean cultural scene.
- Updated: 30.12.2008
