Brussels, 02/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 2 March, the European Council called on the Commission and the high representative to bring forward “by the end of this year” a roadmap to “define and guide” the implementation of the European policy vis-à-vis the EU's Southern Mediterranean partners, “listing its objectives, instruments and action, focusing on the synergies with the Union for the Mediterranean and other regional initiatives”.
“Italy called for appropriate resources and instruments to concretise this partnership and make it effective”, stated Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.
At the Council, leaders agreed to encourage all countries in the Southern Neighbourhood to undertake “significant political reforms”, stating that the EU is “determined” to offer “more support to those partners that make progress towards inclusive democratic systems”.
The Council stated that the EU will continue to “mobilise its instruments, placing greater emphasis on assistance focused on governance and job creation” and continue its efforts within the framework of the taskforce meetings. It called for swift ratification of the extension of the mandate of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). EU leaders stressed that “rapid progress is needed” in the ongoing trade negotiations and in the preparation of negotiations for Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements.
The Council also wants the dialogues on migration, mobility and security to be extended and said the EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with civil society, “including through the launch of the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility”. (CG with FG/transl.rt)