(ANSAmed) – MADRID, MARCH 8 – The EU supports the Union for the Mediterranean countries engaged in democratic processes and structural transformations, for which resources will be allocated to fund specific projects. European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Fule, assured this at the joint press conference following the meeting in Barcelona with the new Union Secretary General, Morocco’s Fathallah Sijilmassi.
The principle guiding European institutions in relations with the Maghreb is “more for more”, that is, the greater the reforms, the greater the cooperation between Europe and the area, to support development projects on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, explained Fule, quoted by the EFE news agency. He also insisted on the opening of a new stage, in which the EU will offer more explicit and “dynamic” support for the Union, to enhance Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. With regard to the processes of democratisation in the countries of the Arab spring, the Commissioner merely observed that it is obvious in Tunis, while in Morocco “efforts” can be seen and he reiterated the support of the EU to Egypt, Libya and other countries in the region where “democratic transformations” are under way. Füle assured that the religion or can be seen political organisation that the governments of these countries give to their institutions, on completion of these changes, will not affect the support of the EU.
For his part Sijilmassi, who took office last week at the Secretariat General of the UfM at the Pedralbes Palace, stressed that “it is a very important moment for the political evolution of the countries of the Mediterranean area” and “it is very positive” to know that they can count on ” the continued and growing support of the EU.” The Secretary of the Union for the Mediterranean and the member of the Commission stressed the “opportunities” that the partnership organisation between the 43 member countries represents for European companies, in order to increase trade and develop cooperation projects. (ANSAmed)
.
