19/04/2021 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU welcomed, on Monday 19 April, the Joint Communication of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union on a renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood (see EUROPE 12654/8), calling for its “rapid and effective implementation (see EUROPE 12700/13). In its conclusions (https://bit.ly/32tL5EQ ), the EU Council highlights various areas of cooperation, such as long-term sustainable socio-economic recovery and job creation, digital and green transformation, long-term stability, security and sustainable development in the region, cooperation on security and migration, youth and the Rule of law. The EU Council wants to strengthen political dialogue throughout the Mediterranean by organising annual meetings between the EU Member States foreign affairs ministers and the Southern Neighbourhood partners. (CG)