At their summit on 10-11 December, EU leaders are expected to adopt conclusions on the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, in which they emphasise their commitment to relaunching the partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood.
According to draft conclusions published on 7 December, which are more fully developed than the conclusions published on 1 December (see EUROPE 12614/5), the European Council reiterates that “a democratic, more stable, greener and more prosperous Southern Neighbourhood is a strategic priority for the EU”.
A quarter of a century after the Barcelona Process was launched, the leaders say they are “determined to relaunch and further highlight and develop this strategic partnership built on a shared geography and history”.
The European Council wants to develop a new agenda for the Mediterranean, with a strong role for civil society, “based on shared priorities and a focus on specific Mediterranean responses and shared management in areas such as environment, connectivity, education and culture, and natural resources”.
The leaders also highlight their commitment to working with the Mediterranean countries to tackle the coronavirus, strengthen the resilience of economies and societies on both sides of the Mediterranean, preserve collective security, address the challenge of mobility and migration and provide opportunities for young people on both sides.
Work will be guided by the Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 and the key principles of the Neighbourhood Policy.
Lastly, the European Council clarifies its expectations regarding the upcoming Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the EU on a renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood, which should be presented in the spring. The leaders said that the Communication should trigger “a new level of political dialogue across the Mediterranean” and lead to improved cooperation in order to tackle common challenges and take advantage of shared opportunities.
The conclusions can be found at: https://bit.ly/2VMnV9l (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)