Brussels, 17/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament meeting in mini-session on Wednesday 18 February in Brussels is to examine the report on the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) whose rapporteur, Pasqualina Napoletano (PES, Italy), points out that this was already the subject of very broad consensus in December 2008 at the foreign affairs committee. The examination, to be sealed by a vote in session on 19 February, was to be held in January but was postponed due to the situation in Gaza. Since then, there has been an agreement with all the political groups at the European Parliament to add three new amendments that take the new situation in the region into account, as well as the consequences that the conflict will have on the spirit of partnership, Ms Napoletano said in an interview.
Generally speaking, the text put to the vote reinforces the direction taken for establishment of the UfM, which does not weaken the broader scope of Euro-Mediterranean policy by strengthening its political dimension and development in common. The Parliament suggests it is important to remodel and considerably consolidate relations between the EU and the Mediterranean countries, and to help results along. This reinforcement should be based on the principle of equality between all partners and the optimal use of what has already been achieved, while also taking into account the limits and insufficiencies of policies implemented to date and, above all, the disappointing result of the Barcelona Process. The project points a finger of blame at the limits of neighbourhood policy, which, by giving preference to bilateral relations, has proven imbalanced and unable to contribute to a common process of significant reform in the region. Positive emphasis is placed on the fact that the UfM encompasses all EU member states and has been “promoted within the framework of the European institutions”. The text suggests that the joint nature decided by the ministerial conference in Marseilles last November should be strengthened. It calls for an enhanced parliamentary dimension as well as the involvement of local authorities and civil societies. It requests that emphasis be placed more on human rights and on the promotion of democracy, areas in which “no substantial progress” has been noted. Furthermore, it contains the recommendation that more attention should be paid to migratory policies and to the “dialogue between civilisations”.
At the economic level, the project confirms the direction currently being taken but considers it necessary to assess and systematically take into account the social impact of the liberalisation process, including in terms of food safety. The creation of a Euro-Mediterranean bank is to be supported and, according to the parliamentarians, Community funding should be used as well as contributions from the member nations and the private sector. “It is appropriate to adopt the formula of 'programme pacts' which, on the basis of the principle of subsidiarity, clearly define the responsibilities of the various institutional levels when it comes to financing, management and control”, MEPs say. On the whole, the draft resolution, which calls for consolidation of what has already been achieved, confirms the track being followed and only includes a few reservations at structural level. The conviction is that the “intergovernmental character is not enough for tackling all political relations between the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region”. MEPs also say it is essential not to increase or superimpose the number of policies, instruments and institutional levels already in existence, and to ensure there is consistency in the whole system of Euro-Mediterranean relations.
It is important to note that this plenary examination was held after an internal process of consultation within various parliamentary committees (international, institutional, women's rights committees, in particular). It comes, however, in a context that is doubly difficult - that created by the situation in Gaza and the fact that dialogue has almost been put on the back-burner because of the boycott by the Arab group, which has affected all meetings since January, freezing the timetable. The UfM's own life seems to have been affected by doubt. Views agree that the parity established between the two groups of countries does not seem correctly implemented within each of these groups. The Egyptian co-presidency is criticised, albeit in a muffled manner so far. The European co-presidency, held by France, is invited to show more transparency. But, reliable sources say, it is already known that Sweden, which is to hold the presidency during the second half of the year, will not take on board the tacit agreement concluded by Paris and Prague for a sort of non-institutionalised delegation of powers. (F.B./transl.jl)