Introduction

The European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union (DMAG) develops links with five neighbouring countries in North Africa - Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia - and with the regional group the Arab Maghreb Union. These five countries have widely differing national contexts, and their bilateral relations with the EU differ in intensity.

The strengthening of bilateral, structural relations with the parliaments of the Maghreb countries is DMAG's main objective, in full coordination with the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and within the larger framework of the EU's relations with these countries. DMAG pursues its objectives through parliamentary diplomacy and promotes the EU's founding values of the rule of law, democracy, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms by all the means at its disposal

The delegation counts 18 (TBC) full members, backed up by a number of substitute members. Its work is led by a Bureau consisting of a Chair and two Vice-Chairs elected, for the full parliamentary term, by the members of the Delegation.

Ordinary delegation meetings

Monthly meetings in Brussels and Strasbourg serve to discuss the regional and country situation, teh state of relations with the EU/EP and consider the necessary parliamentary diplomacy outreach. Exchanges of views with relevant contributors - including from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission's (EC), international organisations active in the region, think tanks focusing on Middle East policies and representatives of the civil society - are organised regularly. Such discussions allow Members to discuss about developments and challenges in the Maghreb region and the ways the EU addresses key bilateral or regional issues.

When relevant, meetings can be held either in association with EP committees and jointly with other standing delegations, notably for matters of shared interest or common challenges.

Inter-parliamentary meetings (IPMs)

In principle, IPMs with each of the Maghreb countries are held once a year, alternately in the European Parliament and the respective country. Focusing on topics of mutual interest, these meetings improve mutual understanding and contribute to the strengthening of the relations between the EP and the respective countries.

The Delegation focuses on the parliamentary aspects of bilateral relations. It encourages MEPs and their counterparts to meet and share experience, and reach out to citizens, particularly to civil society, in the Mediterranean partner countries.

This work contributes to the European Union's foreign policy objectives, including by strengthening human rights and democratic processes, as well as by establishing a long-lasting rapport among the representatives of the different countries.