Political and security partnership

The Euromed Partnership is a politically-driven process providing a unique framework for deepening political dialogue, enabling Euromed partners to strive towards the establishment of a peaceful, secure and stable Euromed region, underpinned by sustainable development, rule of law, democracy and human rights.

Since its inception in 1995, the Barcelona Process has helped to foster cooperation on political and security issues, with several important partnership-building measures already in place (Euromesco, Femise, Malta Seminars (information & training seminars for diplomats), Civil protection). In the difficult prevailing circumstances in the Middle East, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership assumes even greater importance as an inclusive structure of regional cooperation. The Barcelona Process remains the only regional forum where all Euromed partners can exchange views and engage in a constructive political and security dialogue. Such a dialogue encompasses issues related to the fight against terrorism, ESDP, crisis management and conflict prevention, civil protection, good governance, parliamentary cooperation (EMPA / APEM = L'Assemblée Parlementaire Euro-Méditerranéenne) political reform and promotion of human rights.

It is commonly agreed that since 1995, threats to the security of Euromed partners have significantly changed. These threats are nowadays less predictable, more diverse and they include issues such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, anti-personnel landmines, regional conflicts and organised crime.

Issues on the agenda for 2008 include inter alia electoral cooperation, civil protection, how to ensure respect for international standards and human rights while countering terrorism, enhancing international cooperation in criminal matters in the framework of the fight against terrorism.