Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-02-23-Speech-3-037"
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"en.20050223.5.3-037"2
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"Mr President, the Mediterranean is a priority area for the European Union. The countries concerned are neighbours to many Member States, and there are a whole series of historical, political, economic, cultural and human links between us. We need do no more than think of the considerable number of citizens of those countries resident amongst us.
Of course, the situation of the countries on the southern shore varies. Most of them are facing great challenges, however. By way of example I could mention the need to make progress on democracy and respect for human rights, social and economic modernisation, administrative reform and the improvement of public services, especially education. This is because young people make up a large proportion of the large populations of these countries. I am glad Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner emphasised education. Combating terrorism and the mafias involved in illegal immigration more effectively is a further challenge facing the region, as is the fight against corruption.
The European Union and the Member States must encourage its neighbours on the southern shores of the Mediterranean to rise successfully to these challenges. Dialogue, aid and genuine cooperation at different levels will all help. For instance, greater political and economic liberalisation and improved education will ensure greater stability in those countries. Progress of this kind will also help to defeat extremism and fanaticism, because the latter tend to flourish wherever there is poverty and ignorance.
It is important to be aware that the prosperity and stability of those countries is inextricably linked to the prosperity and stability of our own. We have a shared future. We cannot afford to neglect each other, and we must cooperate closely.
The basic European instruments designed to allow us to achieve these objectives are the Barcelona Process, the European neighbourhood policy and the action plans. I am delighted that the Anna Lindh foundation is soon to be launched, and that this House will shortly assume the Presidency of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.
Ten years have passed since the start of the Barcelona Process, but we must continue to foster it, so that the citizens of the countries on the southern shore do not feel that an enlarged Europe has forgotten their problems. Consequently, strong support must be given to the Barcelona Process. This year, 2005, has been designated the Year of the Mediterranean, which presents a splendid opportunity to revitalise the Barcelona Process, just when the prospects for the Middle East peace process are so much better, as many previous speakers have pointed out."@en1
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