Brussels, 19/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the Council took note of the priorities of the French Presidency in implementing the common EU strategy relating to the Mediterranean region. France, indeed, considers that the resumption of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership must already begin during the current semester, notably given the fact that the fourth meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers is to be held in Marseilles on 16 and 17 November, and that the new Meda Regulation (for financing) is practically ready for adoption (see next article).
Regarding the current semester, the Presidency's priorities that the Council took note of are:
- Ensuring that the IVth Conference on Ministers of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership allows for the Barcelona Process to regain its impetus.
- While awaiting the adoption of the Charter on Peace and Stability, that the Presidency intends making good at the Ministerial Conference of Marseilles, strengthen the political and security dialogue with the Mediterranean partners.
- Pursuing the setting up of a dynamic Economic and Financial Partnership, based on shared risks and responsibilities between the European Union and its Mediterranean partners.
- Promoting cooperation regarding the respect of human rights and the rule of law, as well as in the field of justice and home affairs.
- Ensuring that, within the Peace Process, the European Union assumes the role incumbent on it and provides its backing to the parties to the process.
