Motion for a resolution - B6-0296/2008Motion for a resolution
B6-0296/2008

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

28.5.2008

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Adamos Adamou and Luisa Morgantini
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean

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B6-0296/2008
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B6-0296/2008
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B6‑0296/2008

European Parliament resolution on the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean

The European Parliament,

-   having regard to the Barcelona Declaration adopted at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of 27-28 November 1995, establishing a Euro-Mediterranean Partnership,

-   having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean COM (2008)319 final),

-   having regard to the endorsement by the European Council of 13-14 March 2008 of the principle concerning the establishment of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean,

-   having regard to the Final Declaration of the Presidency of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), as well as to the recommendations adopted by EMPA at its fourth plenary session in Athens on 28 March 2008,

-  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas, at the constituent summit of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean on 13 July 2008 in Paris, clear guidelines should be set for enhancing the multilateral relations of the EU with its Mediterranean partners, including strengthening working methods and greater sharing of responsibilities,

1.   Takes note of the communication from the Commission on the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean and shares the aim of this new initiative to give fresh political and practical impetus to the multilateral relations of the EU with its Mediterranean partners by upgrading the political level of relations, as well as by developing regional projects responding to the needs of citizens in the region;

2.   Supports the development of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean as a consolidation of the Euro-Mediterranean area based on democratic principles and respect for the rule of law, which should lead to a strong partnership;

3.   Shares the view as to the need for a reinvigorated Barcelona Process, which should remain the central element of EU cooperation with the Mediterranean region; regards the Barcelona Declaration, its objectives and areas of cooperation as the core of those relations; hopes that the new initiative builds on the achievements of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, bringing added value to the process;

4.   Gives an assurance as to its readiness to cooperate on setting up an institutional framework for the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean; insists, as one arm of the budgetary authority of the EU, on being involved in order to ensure that the new framework and its projects are a success;

5.   Takes note of the Commission proposal to establish a co-presidency of the 'Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean at head of state and foreign minister level, appreciating that it will enhance joint ownership of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation; stresses that the Mediterranean arm of the presidency should be appointed by consensus among the Mediterranean partners and that the country holding the presidency should invite all the states participating in the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean to summits and ministerial meetings; considers that the proposed secretariat for the enhanced partnership should neither be a new bureaucracy nor duplicate existing structures;

6.   Shares the view that the present institutional structures of the Barcelona Process should be preserved and bolstered and that the political, social, economic and cultural dialogues which are the fundamental features of Euro-Mediterranean relations should be further enhanced;

7.   Underlines the fact that the scope of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean should be based on solidarity, dialogue and respect for the individual characteristics of the countries of the Mediterranean;

8.   Endorses the Commission proposal to strengthen relations with the EU’s Mediterranean partners at political level by organising summit meetings, every two years, in the context of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean', with a view to adopting political declarations and decisions on the main programmes and projects to be developed at regional level;

9.  Underlines the fact that all concrete regional projects to be carried out should be specifically planned according to the priorities of the partner countries concerned rather than to suit the interests of the EU itself;

10.   Calls on the Commission and the Council not to promote liberalisation of the markets of the Mediterranean countries, but, rather, to base financial relations on fair trade and a genuine approach that strengthens relations between the two sides, motivating local populations and promoting development that is not solely dependent on foreign investment; contends that any private-sector participation, as provided for in the Commission’s proposals, should be transparent;

11.   Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that the EMPA becomes an integral part of the institutional framework of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean as its parliamentary dimension; underlines the fact that enhancement of democratic legitimacy is necessary, as is strengthening of the role of the EMPA, the only parliamentary assembly uniting the 27 EU Member States and all the parties involved in the Middle East peace process; stresses the importance of further formalising the role of the EMPA as a consultative body having the right to make proposals and assessments;

12.   Underlines the fact that the EU-Mediterranean partnership cannot focus solely on economic and trade issues; points out that all the 'Barcelona pillars' are closely linked; points out that the third pillar was intended to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity;

13.   Points out that economic policies must be assessed not only in terms of their contribution to growth, but also in terms of promoting sustainable development, social rights and their contribution to poverty reduction;

14.   Reaffirms the need to boost the status of women in the Mediterranean region through policies which give them a major role in their societies and by promoting gender equality; stresses there does not have to be respect for traditions and customs to the detriment of their fundamental rights;

15.   Points out that one of the main goals of Euro-Mediterranean policy is to support democratisation, pluralism, rule of law and greater respect for human rights; in this respect, reiterates its call on the Commission to step up efforts to set up 'democracy and human rights subcommittees' with all Mediterranean partners, under the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements, and calls also on all parties concerned to observe their commitments in this respect, especially concerning individual cases, and to implement the human rights clause;

16.   Calls on the Commission to inform Parliament and the EMPA on a regular basis about how these regional projects are developing and to consider the proposals and evaluations submitted at parliamentary level with a view to raising the profile of the process and increasing take-up capacity and added value for citizens in the region;

17.   Welcomes the initiative to create a new forum for regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region, taking into account the 'Euro-Med experience';

18.   Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Euro-Med governments.