Brussels, 21/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - A meeting on "economic dialogue" involving the Lebanon and the European Commission, similar to those held with other Mediterranean countries, will take place in Brussels on 24 November. This kind of dialogue will allow for joint analysis of the macro-economic situation of the partner country, and an assessment of its needs from co-operation with the EU. The Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister, Marouan Hamadeh, will attend this session, to be given over to progress, and the macro-economic prospects of the Lebanon and the EU. According to a Community source, the Lebanese delegation will present its budgetary situation and the reform policies it is applying following commitments taken multilaterally, its monetary and trade policy, and the impact of the war in Iraq on the national economy. The issues of investment and competitiveness in the Lebanon, which are linked to the EU-Lebanon Association agreement, will also be on the agenda, including the effects of the interim agreement in place and pending implementation of the Association agreement once ratified. The two sides will also discuss the possible consequences of the enlargement of the EU, and the "New Neighbours of the Enlarged Europe" initiative.
European Parliament Plenary Session