Text tabled : A7-0026/2012

  Clemente Mastella (PPE), in writing. – (IT) In accordance with the guidelines of the Barcelona Process, the convention that we voted on today aims to advance the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area and also clearly lays down pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin, which have been the subject of specific trade agreements to date. The adoption of a single, simplified instrument will facilitate use of the system of pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation of origin.

The adoption of this new legal instrument is certainly a potential incentive to stimulate South-South trade, which can contribute to the economic growth, economic diversification and democratisation of the region, while reducing poverty, and also foster social, trade and economic integration amongst southern Mediterranean countries. This single instrument will have the advantage of including not only the traditional southern Mediterranean countries, but also those participating in the Stabilisation and Association Process and the EFTA countries, thus giving a wider geographical scope to cumulation and a larger recipient market to cumulated exports.

However, we are aware that the signing of this convention should be followed and consolidated by other, more ambitious plans to improve and foster trade in the region.