Brussels, 29/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 25 and Friday 26 February, the EU member states bordering the Mediterranean met in Limassol (Cyprus) to exchange views on their specific problems within the EU and in their relations with the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
This meeting, at ministerial level, was the third of the Medgroup and was held at an informal level (intergovernmental). The Greek ministry of foreign affairs stated in a press release that the meeting provided the opportunity for ministers to exchange viewpoints on the relevant aspects of the multitude of closely linked crises affecting the EU, its neighbouring countries and the wider region. The meeting was attended by Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and France.
Discussions focused on Syria and the consequences of its civil war on Lebanon and Jordan. They also focused on Libya and the problems of immigration. The ministers underlined that there could be no military solution to the war in Syria. With regard to the flows of migrants to the EU, using Medgroup's previous joint statements as a basis, the ministers expressed their commitment, in spirit of solidarity, to a humanitarian approach and the protection of external borders. They confirmed their common belief - that immigration remains a major issue which puts the EU's unity to the test and its ability to manage an international issue in line with the principles and fundamental values of the EU and with the relevant arrangements of international law. The ministers regretted the unilateral action of member states and said this was not the solution. As frontline states, they underlined the importance of reforming the EU's current framework so as to ensure the efficiency of asylum policy and manage the migration crisis as a priority.
As regards relations with the southern shore of the Mediterranean more generally, the ministers exchanged their views with the secretary general of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Fathallah Sijilmassi, and agreed that the various forms of cooperation could be highlighted and better prioritised in order to reflect the common challenges faced by the partners of the EU and those of the southern Mediterranean. They stated that many possibilities exist for improving the effectiveness of the multilateral cooperation between the partner countries of the EU and those of the southern Mediterranean. The ministers also highlighted the EU's considerable efforts to develop strategies in the region, and they agreed on the need to emphasise the EU's policy more with regard to its partners and southern Mediterranean organisations. They recommended an approach that supports greater synergies.
The ministers also agreed to strengthen the relations of the EU and its member states with the Arab world, and look forward to the ministerial meeting between the EU and the Arab League which will be held in Cairo in April 2016. (Original version in French by Fathi B'Chir)