What is the group of experts on economic transition?

Meetings of the group of experts on Economic Transition have become an established feature of the Barcelona Process. The first meeting of the group was held in 1997 and since then meetings are held annually. The work of the group of experts has served as a contribution to the conclusions of Foreign Ministers Conferences on economic transition issues.

The group does not have a formal mandate. Yet, there is broad agreement that the group should bring together experts, both from the EU Member States and Mediterranean partners, to exchange information and share experience and know-how on issues that pertain to the process of economic transformation towards the goal of a EU-Mediterranean free trade area by the year 2010. In this context, a variety of issues have been reviewed. Experts from the IMF, the FEMISE network of economic research institutes and the World Bank, are invited to contribute to discussions. An interesting feature is that the experience of the EU and its candidate countries is considered, where relevant.

 Role of the Economic Transition Electronic Network

This web site has been developed at the request of the partners. It creates a dynamic forum where relevant information on economic transition issues can be shared. It provides a catalogue of the meetings, and comprises contributions on major thematic issues, such as growth and employment, public finance and the functioning of markets. Both Mediterranean partners and EU Member States can contribute to the website. They can propose the inclusion of relevant documents and/or a reference to interesting links.