EuroMed 2009-2014 eng V2.indd

Transcription

MEDITERRANEAN POLICY
ACTIVITY REPORT 2009 - 2014
EPP GROUP
IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
POLITIQUE MÉDITERRANÉ ENNE |1
MEDITERRANEAN
POLICY
ACTIVITY REPORT 2009 -2014
EPP GROUP
IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and President of the EPP
The EPP Group and the Mediterranean: challenges and opportunities
O
ur EPP Group faces the European elections of May
2014 with the satisfaction of having accomplished
several tasks which gives more weight to our
political family with regard to international policies,
especially in the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean remains a strategic epicentre between
and for the two shores. It is not just our duty but also in our
interest as Europeans because of our history and values, to
believe in links with countries of the Mediterranean region
and to work together for a prosperous future.
Since we are the Group of values in the European
Parliament, we have given priority to relations with the
democratic Parties of the Mediterranean, which are the
partners with whom we wish to share so many common
points within the context of the neighbourhood policy and
intercultural dialogue.
The EPP Group is the largest force in Europe thanks to
its history, its values and its political activity. As a major
player in terms of legislation and budget, the Group has
developed its activity in close collaboration with the
European Commission, the European External Action
Service (EEAS), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and
the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM),
in order to make the Euro-Mediterranean project even
more coherent.
There are several reasons for strengthening political ties
with the Mediterranean, namely strategic, economic, social,
and cultural and security.
In order to address this issue, the EPP Group decided to
set up a Working Group chaired b y o u r V i c e - c h a i r m a n
Vito BONSIGNORE, who is charged with implementing an
action programme and an ambitious strategic policy in the
Mediterranean.
The Euromed Working Group brings together all Members
of the EPP Group who sit on the parliamentary committees
and delegations in relation to the Mediterranean.
The Euromed WG with its high-level activities and relations,
has succeeded in giving the EPP high political visibility
throughout the Mediterranean, and has been a reference
for all the political and parliamentary actions of the
Members of the Group.
The EPP Group has maintained continuous political dialogue
with the institutional and parliamentary representatives of
civil society, especially in economic and academic circles
in all the countries of the Mediterranean. Special attention
was paid to the countries that suffered serious turmoil
during the Arab revolutions that started 2011. Following
these revolutions in Arab countries, there is a long way to
go with regard to our political dialogue, and the EPP family
will be more and more committed to reaching its aims in
the new political, social and institutional context that will
emerge in these countries. This challenge is a priority for
our Group.
Being these countries in a transition phase, our Group
has the historical opportunity of being at the centre of the
dialogue and cooperation, so that their revolution leads
to consolidated democratic systems and viable economic
ones, avoiding the risk of sliding into totalitarian or
fundamentalist regimes, which would endanger stability
in the region with serious consequences at all levels in
Europe.
This dialogue centres on our common values, which are
based on respect for humankind and the promotion of
individual rights.
The EPP Group has always been an important player
in setting up long-term political economic, social
and intercultural dialogue with the countries of the
Mediterranean. It has worked to defend its values and
6| POLITIQUE MÉDITERRANÉ ENNE
convictions on democracy, social market economy and
cultural and religious openness. For this reason, we can
confirm that during the 2009-2014 legislative periods, the
role of the EPP Group in the context of Euro-Mediterranean
relations has grown.
The EPP Group will always carry the flame of an open
European Union, especially in the Mediterranean, and
will always support peace, security, freedom, dialogue,
cooperation and economic, social and cultural exchange
in the interests of the well-being of all its citizens.
Joseph DAUL
Chairman of the EPP Group
President of the EPP
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
8| POLITIQUE MÉDITERRANÉ ENNE
A new euro-Mediterranean renaissance
D
uring the last two legislative periods the EPP
Group has given absolute priority to the European
Neighbourhood policy, as it was conscience
that the Mediterranean would become of increasing
importance. The Group entrusted the responsibility of
this task to its Vice-chairman. The ambitious aim was to
guarantee coherence between the legislative activity and
the political initiatives of the EPP Group, as well as to
extend the political influence of the Group in all areas of
the Mediterranean.
Following the previous decade which was marked by the
poor results of the Barcelona Process, we thought that
the European political and economic growth of the 2000s
could favour the emergence of a new and more ambitious
Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
The facts speak for themselves. The last decade not only
marked the beginning of a new era in economic relations
between the North and the South, but also that of a period
of upheaval of all the certainties that we were used to.
In 2011 the Arab revolutions began and the stability that
had been guaranteed for decades by the regimes in these
countries, gave way to the determination of citizens who
went onto the streets in search of freedom and democracy.
I accepted this mission, conscious of the numerous
challenges that awaited me.
Setting up a new North-South partnership The
biggest challenge was to form a new Euro-Mediterranean
partnership. This also required revision of the European
programmes and their refinancing. At that time I attended
ministerial meetings representing the European Parliament.
Under the Presidency of the EPP, the European Council
was shelving the Barcelona Process, whereas in Paris in
2008 the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) was being
launched. This was a new institutional framework with as
many new strategic objectives. Now six years on, with the
Mediterranean being characterised by revolutions, which
are not over yet, and a European economic crisis once
again very marked, the results do not really come up to
expectations, even with the rolling out of approximately 10
billion Euro for common programmes and 14 billion in the
form of loans from the EIB since 2007. However, we have
no doubt that the future economic revival will allow us to
seize the great opportunities that the Mediterranean offers
and that Europe will revive its ambitions. Europe and the
Mediterranean constitute an extremely promising political
and economic reality, of worldwide significance.
Initiating a political dialogue There was also the
challenge of introducing the EPP in all the Arab countries
of the Mediterranean and initiating a dialogue with the
existing parties, most of whom, at least the parties in
power, were members of the International socialist and so
traditionally connected to other European political families.
Now, thanks to all Group’s initiatives, the EPP has become
a recognised and credible political partner, that the new
political forces arising out of the Arab revolutions observe
with growing interest. We must now walk the walk and,
once these parties have been recognised by the EPP family,
the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly should be transformed
into a political Assembly organized by political groups and
not on national level. That would give a real impetus to the
forging of Euro-Mediterranean unity.
Promoting the adoption of a common foreign policy For
now, the greatest challenge is still that of uniting European
action in terms of foreign policy. Today, the common
european foreign policy is weak, because of its numerous
decision-making centres. We have 28 Ministers of Foreign
Affairs, a High Representative of the Union for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy and we are present individually
throughout the European Union as well as at international
decision-making forums, both political and military.
However, subjects such as the arrival of illegal immigrants
from North Africa, security, terrorism, and also economic
development and integration of our economies require the
commitment of the European Union as a whole. We cannot
just cherry pick in the European Union. Being a Member of
the European Union involves commitments and obligations
which should be distributed fairly. There is a long way
to go but I think that the EPP will know how to use its
capacities to convince people of the necessity for a unified
foreign policy, starting with the neighbourhood policy. In
the future our Group should enter into intense dialogue
and collaboration with the other European institutions so
that we can define a productive neighbourhood policy
together.
10 | P O L I T I Q U E M É D I T E R R A N É E N N E
If today the EPP Group has managed to achieve important
objectives, it is mainly due to the unfailing commitment of
many Members of the EPP, the Secretariat of the Group and
the support which has been given over recent years by the
presidents of the Group Wilfried MARTENS, Joseph DAUL
and Hans-Gert POETTERING, as well as the EPP Party and
the invaluable support of the EPP Foundation “Wilfried
Martens” and our national foundations. The challenges
ahead are numerous but very promising. Hundreds of
millions of citizens of third countries of the Mediterranean
are looking towards Europe with hope in their hearts – the
hope of being able to write a new chapter of history with
us that would describe a Euro-Mediterranean region where
prosperity and well-being reign. A new renaissance as a
starting point for the future of our people.
Vito BONSIGNORE
Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
P O L I T I Q U E M É D I T E R R A N É E N N E | 11
INDEX
Presentation of Joseph DAUL, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President
The EPP Group and the Mediterranean: challenges and opportunities............................................................................... 5
Presentation of Vito BONSIGNORE, Vice-chairman of the Group and Chairman of the Euromed Working Group
A new Euro-Mediterranean renaissance................................................................................................................................ 9
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................15
Members of the Working Group for Neighbourhood policy: Mediterranean..............................................................23
The EPP Working Group on the Neighbourhood Policy in the Mediterranean...........................................................29
Aims...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Activities................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Strategy of the EPP Group in the Mediterranean in 2009-2014: aims and results ............................................................ 31
Arab revolutions: new strategy of the EPP Group in 2011................................................................................................. 34
The action plan of the EPP Group 2009-2014 in the Mediterranean: aims and initiatives................................................ 38
Political initiatives.......................................................................................................................................................39
Meeting of the EPP Group’s Presidency with Ambassadors of third countries of the Mediterranean.............................. 41
Dialogue of the Dead Sea Parliamentary conference of the EPP Group - KAS................................................................. 57
Visits of the EPP Group Presidency to the Mediterranean countries................................................................................. 69
Meeting of the EPP Group with other Institutions. Neighbourhood policy: the funding of Euro-Mediterranean
projects................................................................................................................................................................................. 79
Exchange Programmes with countries of the south of the Mediterranean........................................................................ 85
The role of women in the Mediterranean ........................................................................................................................ 104
The Union for the Mediterranean and its parliamentary dimension: the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM)...........................................................................................................107
Presentation of the parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM).......................................... 109
Tasks of the parliamentary committees............................................................................................................................. 110
Neighbourhood policy unit of the EPP Group – EUROMED..................................................................................... 113
INTRODuCTION
This document retraces the activity of the EPP Group from
2009 to 2014 in the context of the neighbourhood policy
implemented by the European Union in the Mediterranean.
In Egypt, in Libya and in Tunisia powerful political leaders
were overthrown by revolts of the people against poverty,
justice and political and social exclusion.
This period was marked by political upheavals in the region.
Regimes that had been in place for decades, enjoying an
apparently invincible position, a sign of strong political
stability in spite of extremely limited individual freedom,
suddenly collapsed to leave room for popular protests.
In Egypt and in Tunisia, the population dug deep in its
hopes for the strength to react against dictatorial systems.
This was not the case in Libya and in Syria, however, where
civil war broke out.
Almost two decades of neighbourhood policy of the
Union was thus wiped away, taking in its wake the weak
foundations on which the European strategy with regard to
the Mediterranean had been built.
The political collapse that spread in the Arab world made
Jordan, Morocco and Algeria flourish, either thanks to the
presence of two monarchies or to the wish to limit the risk
of reliving another drama similar to the civil war of the
1990s. Then over the last two decades the peace process in
the Middle East has not advanced.
In this context, the EPP Group has given new impetus to its
strategy by offering its support to any new political forces
with whom it shares democratic values and principles and
by creating a political network in order to share common
political projects.
During this period, the EPP Group forged special relations
with the political players and authorities of the whole
Mediterranean region, either through its political action
in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the
Mediterranean, or by encouraging visits and organising
exchange programmes on political training and other
specific activities.
Today, the EPP family is considered an essential and
reliable political player in the region, capable of providing
cooperation based on authentic values and principles in
order to build a strong Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
Thanks to work carried out by Members of the EPP Group
in the European Parliament, Euro-Mediterranean relations
have developed considerably. The partnership initiated
by the Barcelona Process, and taken up by the Union for
l-r: Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President,
Mustapha Ben Jafar, President of Tunisia’s Constituent Assembly, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament, Manfred Weber MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Antoine Ripoll,
Chairman’s Spokesman and Secretary-General of the EPP Group
the Mediterranean, is based on universal values, dialogue
and cooperation. It has created long-term political and
institutional links between Europe and the Mediterranean
partners and relies on the common political will to build
a space of dialogue, peace, security and shared prosperity.
The Members of the EPP Group have met every month
in the Euromed Working Group meetings politicians,
diplomats, experts and representatives of civil society
in the Mediterranean region to exchange points of view,
discuss strategies and formulate initiatives.
The Working Group was chaired by Vito BONSIGNORE
MEP and Vice-chairman of the EPP Group. This Working
Group held 51 meetings attended by a large number of
Members.
During each meeting, special guests representing our
Mediterranean partners and the Union for the Mediterranean exchanged point of views: Ministers, parliamentary
Members, Ambassadors of the whole Mediterranean region,
experts, professors and leaders of the opposition.
The Euromed Working Group also met representatives
of European Institutions and a regular among them was
Stefan FÜLE, European Commissioner for Enlargement and
European Neigbourhood Policy as well as representatives
of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
During the legislative period 2009-2014 the EPP Group
took part in five sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) with its 18
EPP Members and their 18 alternate Members: in Amman
in 2010, in Rome in 2011, in Rabat, in 2012, in Brussels in
2013 and on the banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan in 2014.
The discussions focused mainly on the peace process in
the Middle East, economic governance, the role of women
in the new governance and in the struggle against violence,
the role of culture and education, religious freedom, new
energy resources, water management, trans-Mediterranean
networks, infrastructures, young people, migration and the
Charter of values for the Mediterranean region.
The charter of values, migration, religious freedom,
economic cooperation and infrastructures as well as the
role of women were among the main priorities of the EPP
Group.
Thanks to the work achieved in the context of
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the
Mediterranean, the Members of the EPP Group continued
to promote the values and visions of the EPP and had the
opportunity of meeting hundreds of parliamentarians from
all the Mediterranean countries, an important phase in the
building of an influential political network.
During this period, the EPP Group committed itself to
a strategy aimed at strengthening relations between the
EPP parliamentary Group and the parliamentary Groups
of the third countries of the Mediterranean. To achieve
this, several “exchange programmes” were organised in
Brussels with the participation of parliamentarians from
Morocco and then from Tunisia, Algeria and Lebanon.
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President,
visiting Syrian refugee camps of Zaatari in Jordan in 2014
These Members were integrated into the working structure
of the EPP Group for a week in order to share unique
moments of common work with the members of the EPP.
Numerous political visits were also organised: to Israel, the
Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and
Syria.
During all these visits, Joseph DAUL, Chairman of the
EPP Group and EPP President, as well as the Group’s
Presidency met the heads of state and government,
Presidents of parliamentary assemblies, directors of public
institutions and representatives of civil society. In Lebanon,
the Presidency of the Group visited the the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Before the European elections of 2014, President Joseph
DAUL, accompanied by government delegates, visited the
refugee camp of Zaatari in Jordan. During this visit, he met
families from Syria as well as local representatives.
Many international conferences of the EPP Group, as well
as a series of Dead Sea Conferences of the EPP Group,
were also organised during this period in Jordan, Tunisia
and Morocco, as well as in Brussels.
Visit of the EPP Group to Tunis in 2012. From left: Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President. Centre:
Hamadi Jebali, Tunisia’s Prime Minister
Conference of the EPP Group in Jordan in 2014. l-r: Jorge Soutullo, EPP Group Advisor responsible for Mediterranean policy, Maria Da
Graça Carvalho MEP, Tokia Saïfi MEP, President of the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights of the PA-UfM, Atef
Tarawneh, Member speaker of the House of Representatives for Jordan, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President,
Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group, Otmar Oehring, Head of the KAS office in Jordan, Santiago Fisas MEP,
Member of the UfM Parliamentary Assembly
l-r: Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Salvatore Iacolino MEP,
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European Parliament and Marco
Scurria MEP, Member of the PA-UfM
Vito Bonsignore, MEP, Vice-chairman of the
EPP Group and Chairman of WG Euromed at
the EPP Group presiding over the Exchange
Week with Tunisian Members and representatives of civil society
l-r: Hakima Falsy, Justice and Development Party, Samir Belefkih, Authenticity and
Modernity Party, Mohammed Zerdali, Constitutional Union, Professor Ahmed Ezbakhe,
University of Rabat, Jean Roatta MEP, Spokesperson of the EPP Group for political
relations with Morocco, Fouzia Lebyed, Constitutional Union, Mustapha Assellalou and
Fatima Gouaima Members of The Popular Movement Party
l-r: Stefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Santiago Fisas MEP, Member of the UfM
Parliamentary Assembly
l-r Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of
the EPP Group and EPP President,
Martin Kamp, Secretary-General
of the EPP Group, Jaime Mayor
Oreja MEP, Vice-chairman of the
EPP Group, Tokia Saïfi MEP,
Chairwoman of the Committee on
Political Affairs, Security and Human
Rights of the PA-UfM and Vito
Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of
the EPP Group
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD
POLICY
Roberta ANGELILLI (IT)
Gabriele ALBERTINI (IT)
Magdi Cristiano ALLAM (IT)
Elena Oana ANTONESCU
(RO)
Elena BĂSESCU (RO)
Dominique BAUDIS (FR)
Bendt BENDTSEN (DA)
Nora BERRA (FR)
Fabrizio BERTOT (IT)
Vito BONSIGNORE (IT)
Philippe BOULLAND (FR)
Elmar BROK (DE)
Simon BUSUTTIL (MT)
Jerzy BUZEK (PL)
Antonio CANCIAN (IT)
Maria Da Graça CARVALHO
(PT)
David CASA (MT)
Carlo CASINI (IT)
Pilar del CASTILLO VERA
(ES)
Carlos COELHO (PT)
Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN (DE)
Michel DANTIN (FR)
Joseph DAUL (FR)
Mário DAVID (PT)
ESSAYAH Sari (FIN)
Santiago FISAS AYXELA (ES)
Carmen FRAGA ESTEVEZ (ES)
Gaston FRANCO (FR)
Mariya GABRIEL (BG)
Michael GAHLER (DE)
Elisabetta GARDINI (IT)
Giuseppe GARGANI (IT)
Salvador GARRIGA POLLEDO
(ES)
Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (DE)
Cristina GUTIÉRREZCORTINES (ES)
Salvatore IACOLINO (IT)
Othmar KARAS (AT)
Ioannis KASOULIDES (CY)
Lena KOLARSKA-BOBIŃSKA
(PL)
Rodi KRATSATSAGAROPOULOU (GR)
Giovanni LA VIA (IT)
Kurt LECHNER (DE)
Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ
WHITE (ES)
Mairead McGUINNESS (IR)
Clemente MASTELLA (IT)
Barbara MATERA (IT)
Mario MAURO (IT)
Jaime MAYOR OREJA (ES)
Erminia MAZZONI (IT)
Roberta METSOLA (MT)
Nuno MELO (PT)
Francisco José MILLÁN MON
(ES)
Radvilė MORKŪNAITĖMIKULĖNIENĖ (LT)
JAN OLBRYCHT (PL)
Ria OOMEN-RUIJTEN (NL)
Alfredo PALLONE (IT)
Aldo PATRICIELLO (IT)
Georgios PAPASTAMKOS (GR)
Andreas PITSILLIDES (CY)
Hans-Gert PÖTTERING (DE)
Cristian Dan PREDA (RO)
Franck PROUST (FR)
Jean ROATTA (FR)
Paul RÜBIG (AU)
Tokia SAÏFI (FR)
José Ignacio SALAFRANCA
SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA (ES)
Potito SALATTO (IT)
Marie-Thérèse SANCHEZSCHMID (FR)
Amalia SARTORI (IT)
Andreas SCHWAB (DE)
Marco SCURRIA (IT)
Salvador SEDÓ i ALABART
(ES)
Sergio Paolo Francesco
SILVESTRIS (IT)
Catherine SOULLIE (FR)
Renate SOMMER (DE)
Gabriele STAUNER (DE)
Róża Gräfin von THUN UND
HOHENSTEIN (PL)
Dominique VLASTO (FR)
Manfred WEBER (DE)
Anja WEISGERBER (DE)
THE EPP WORKING GROUP ON NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Aims
The Working Group “Euromed” of the EPP Group in the
European Parliament on Neighbourhood Policy in the
Mediterranean was formed to bring together all the Members of
the EPP who sit on the parliamentary committees, on the interparliamentary delegations in the European Parliament and at
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
so that they may be able to forge a common strategy and carry
out concrete political actions. These meetings have always
been open to the European People’s Party.
80 Members
51 meetings
33 special guests
The Euromed Working Group was chaired by Vito
BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group and
during these 51 meetings between Brussels and Strasbourg,
they had the opportunity to discuss the strategy of the EPP
Group for the period 2009-2014, as well as the annual action
plans. The Working Group also provided the opportunity
to debate the current politics of each third country of the
Mediterranean and the priorities to follow, in terms of
legislative work and the definition of action plans.
In order to promote more in-depth discussions, the
Members were able to meet their political partners of the
l-r: Salvatore Iacolino MEP, Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman
of the EPP Group, Chairman of WG Euromed
Mediterranean, on a regular basis, as well as government
members and diplomatic representatives of these countries.
These meetings were also attended by key figures from
civil society and especially economic and academic circles.
Through these meetings, the Euromed Working Group
delved deeper into questions such as migration flows,
religious freedom, environmental protection problems,
questions on fisheries and agriculture, economic and
industrial investments and strategies for the education and
training of young people.
Likewise, the Working Group was able to discuss the
Neighbourhood policy of the EU and how to take into
account the new context created by the Arab revolutions.
The Euromed Working Group was also in charge of
coordinating the activities of its Members in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and of
its five parliamentary committees as well as promoting
initiatives in this framework.
Moreover, the Working Group provided an additional
forum for meeting and debating with the European
Commissioners and the representatives of other European
and international institutions (EEAS, EIB, UN, OSCE and
NATO).
activities
The Euromed Working Group met regularly during the
plenary sessions in Strasbourg and in Brussels. Under the
Presidency of Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman
of the EPP Group, the Members of the Group devised a
strategy for the Mediterranean for the period 2009-2014.
This strategy has been reviewed regularly and especially
in 2011 to take into account the events that disrupted
the political and institutional framework of most of the
Mediterranean countries.
To do this, the Working Group organised several meetings,
inviting political representatives and Ambassadors from
these countries, as well as representatives of civil society.
This helped in the understanding the events which deeply
shocked the societies of these countries and to implement
an action program.
From the beginning of this term, the Euromed Working
Group launched a series of International Conferences at the
Dead Sea. This brought together, on a regular basis, all the
EPP’s political partners in the Mediterranean. The Group
organised political visits of the EPP Group’s Presidency
to Egypt, the Middle East, Tunisia, Morocco, the Lebanon,
Syria, Palestine and Israel.
The Euromed Working Group was also involved to prepare
Group’s decisions on issues dealing with Mediterranean
and scheduled for the plenary Sessions of the European
Parliament.
ACTIVITY OF THE WORKING GROUP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
2009-2014
Definition of
the strategy
Preparation of
the Action Plans
of the Group
Organisation
of political
delegations
Organisation
of themed
conferences
Support for the
legislative activity
of the Group
Strategy of the EPP Group in the
Mediterranean in 2009-2014:
aims and results
After the 2009 european elections, the EPP Euromed Working
Group defined a new strategy for the 2009-2014 term
Here are the main points of the strategy of the EPP Group:
Strengthening of the parliamentary network of the EPP
Group
The EPP Group had decided to establish political contacts
with the parliamentary Groups of the Mediterranean countries
that shared the same values and aims. The aim was to create
an EPP political network in the context of political changes
and constitutional reforms, so as to become the principal
interlocutor in all the countries of the region and to give a
political dimension to the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Union for the Mediterranean.
Today the Union for the Mediterranean has a permanent
Secretariat in Barcelona. This Secretariat has promoted
numerous initiatives in the whole region. These initiatives
have been conducted in cooperation with the European
Commission and the Member States, as well as the
countries of the Mediterranean. The Secretariat successfully
accomplished the tasks assigned to it and which
complemented the Barcelona Process with projects that
were concrete and close to the interests of the countries
concerned. Moreover, the Secretariat, with the support
of the EPP Group set priorities and an agenda. The EPP
Group also envisaged a Union for the Mediterranean with a
much more marked political and strategic profile, in order
to promote the strategic interest of the EU-28 in the region.
The Mediterranean could become the region that promotes
the renaissance of Europe, after a long economic crisis. Its
Today the EPP Group, the EPP and the IDC can count on
a political network, made up of EPP partners in Morocco,
Algeria and Lebanon; with privileged interlocutor in Turkey,
Israel, and Tunisia. All the political representatives of these
countries participated to the EPP Congress and to the Dead
Sea Group’s Conference.
Strengthening of the structure of the Union for the
Mediterranean
The EPP Group aimed to give the Union for the Mediterranean
a political and executive role and a new impetus that would
be much more ambitious than the Barcelona Process.
l-r : Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP and Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vicechairmen of the EPP Group
energy resources and raw materials, the cultural richness
and the diversity of its people, as well as the potential of a
huge market should arouse general interest.
This result was not fully achieved and should be the subject
of further discussions on the future strategy to be adopted
by the EPP Group.
Strengthening the role of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Union for the Mediterranean
The EPP Group decided to take initiatives to ensure that
the common Assembly, that brings together the European
Members, the Members of the Mediterranean countries and
those of the EU could become a real institutional player.
the Assembly did not benefit from any reform and still
remains a forum for discussion of general matters. If the
democratic dimension of the Union for the Mediterranean
is a value to be defended, the EPP Group should promote
more initiatives among the political leaders. The Assembly
could be transformed into a real political forum, where
the Members would be organised by political groups to
defend their ideas and universal values and advance the
visions of transnational political families, not national.
Such a Parliament could thus elect a President and set up
an internal structure that would operate with the status of
a democratic Institution.
Because of the Arab revolutions and the economic crisis
that reduced the attention paid to the Mediterranean,
Visit of the EPP Group to the Middle East.
l-r: Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP,
Vice-president of the European Parliament,
Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign
Affairs Committee in the EP, Joseph Daul
MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP
President , Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vicechairman of the EPP Group, Tony Blair,
Middle East peace envoy, Paolo Licandro,
Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP
Group and José Ignacio Salafranca
Sáchez-Neyra MEP, EPP Coordinator in
the Foreign Affairs Committee of the EP
Visit of the EPP Group to the Middle East : Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President visits Simon Peres, President of
Israel
Support for the peace process in the Middle East
In 2009 the peace process in the Middle East seemed to have
taken on a new momentum. Barack OBAMA took up office
as President of the United States in January 2009 when the
“Operation Cast Lead” carried out by Israel against Hamas
had just stopped (unilateral ceasefire of Israel on 18 January
2009). In this context, and while the Palestinian Authority
was deciding to withdraw from the negotiations in protest
against the Israeli operation, the new American President
announced the ambition of advancing the peace process.
His decision also seemed to be motivated by the failure of
the previous plan, namely the idea of setting up a “great
Middle East” based on western democratic models.
The EPP Group, in defining its strategy and its plan of
work for the period 2009-2014, decided to invest in the
goodwill expressed by the Member States of the EU and
support the American plan in favour of the peace process.
Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on Political
Affairs, Security and Human Rights of the Assembly of the Union
for the Mediterranean
The determination of Barack OBAMA, President of the
United States, led to several decisions. First, there was the
appointment of George MITCHELL as special envoy to the
Middle East.
In Iraq, according to the Agreement signed in November
2008 between the United States and Iraq, it was planned
that the American army would redeploy at the end of June
2009, that the troops would leave Iraq on 31 August 2010,
the definitive withdrawal of American forces being planned
for the end of 2011. These measures would allow President
OBAMA to declare the need to create a Palestinian State
and the will to revive the Middle East peace process, with
the diplomatic action of the Secretary of State, Hilary
CLINTON.
It is in this spirit that the delegation of the EPP Group, led
by its Chairman Joseph DAUL MEP and including the Vicechairman of the EPP Group Vito BONSIGNORE MEP and
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP, Coordinators of the EPP at the
Foreign Affairs Committee of foreign Affairs, Elmar BROK
MEP and José Ignacio SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA
MEP and the Chairwoman of the Committee on Political
Affairs, Security and Human Rights of the Assembly for
the Mediterranean Tokia SAÏFI MEP, decided to go to the
Middle East to meet the Israeli and Palestinian leaders,
the peace negotiators and Tony BLAIR, Middle East peace
envoy.
Arab revolutions: new strategy of the EPP
Group in 2011
Following events in many Arab countries with the outbreak
of the “Arab revolution” uprisings in 2011 the Working
Group adapted the strategy of the EPP Group, taking
advantage of the new perspectives provided by changes
in regimes.
Here are the adaptations decided by the EPP Group:
Identification of new partners
It proved necessary and urgent to find new political and
social interlocutors who could share the same values as
the EPP, and then to support them during the “transition
phase” and in the long term.
Since, after the dissolution of a regime, it is difficult to
identify new interlocutors, the EPP Group opened dialogue
with all the new forces that spoke in favour of democracy
and the promotion of humankind.
These reforms should be based on division of power, the
establishment of strong institutional structures, electoral
laws to promote political changes of power and to have
strong open political systems.
As the cultural and social fabric in the Arab countries was
profoundly different to that of the countries of the East,
which underwent the same transformations and became
associated with the EU, the EPP decided to intensify its
intercultural dialogue initiatives by involving civil society.
In this way, the EPP Group asked the European Commission
and the External Relations Directorate of the EU to give
their full support to the reforms being undertaken.
Promotion of democratic reforms
The Arab revolutions paved the way for in-depth discussions
on fundamental values. The West and the Middle East were
often in disagreement on the subject of values and this
has sometimes divided our people. These divisions did not
promote good cooperation. So, the EPP family is convinced
of the solidity of the principles which are the founding
principles of the democracy of our countries. The EPP
Group, therefore, decided to build its new political relations
on its founding principles. This is why the Working
Group organised “exchange weeks” in Brussels. Open to
all the partner countries of the Mediterranean which were
beginning a new era of democracy, representatives of the
new political parties and civil society were invited to share
a week of work with the Members of the EPP Group.
The EPP decided to act in all the institutional bodies,
both European and national to promote fully democratic
constitutional reforms in the Arab countries.
Promotion of the EPP values
At the same time the EPP Group decided to promote the
Mediterranean Charter of Values and appointed Ioannis
KASOULIDES MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, as
Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for
the Mediterranean.
l-r: Joseph Daul MEP, EPP President and Chairman of the EPP
Group, Mustapha Ben Jaafar, President of the Constituent
Assembly of Tunisia and Manfred Weber MEP, Vice- chairman of
the EPP Group.
initiatives to encourage constitutional reforms to take into
consideration the religions minorities and the secular spirit
of the new constitutional structures.
New democratic institutions
The EPP Group decided to promote these reforms in
order to promote the establishment of strong democratic
institutions. During the visits of the Presidency of the Group
to the countries of the Mediterranean, the Members of the
Group met with political leaders at the highest level to
discuss reforms that needed to be made and the support
offered by the Neighbourhood policy of the EU.
Immigration and security
Following the political upheavals of the Arab revolutions,
the bilateral agreements between the third countries and
the countries of the EU dissolved rapidly, with the risk of
intensification of uncontrolled migratory flow becoming a
reality. So, the EPP Group made a commitment to demand
the EU authorities for a European management policy on
migration. At the same time the EPP Group recognised that
strong solidarity should be demonstrated to the Member
States that were subjected to the trouble caused by the
huge extent of migratory flow.
The EPP Group meets Arabic women in 2013
Protection of religious minorities
After a long period of persecution of Christian communities
in several Muslim countries, the EPP Group took
The EPP Group outlined that for political immigration to
be coherent, it should be based on a single EU strategy as
well as a European policy for refugees. Moreover, the EPP
Group recognised that an efficient European management
policy of migratory flow should take into account special
aid to strengthen the borders of the vulnerable African
countries and polices of political cooperation with these
countries.
l-r: Rabi Levi Matusoff, Msgr. Tadeusz Pieronek, Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group , Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister of
Foreign Affairs in Cyprus, Manfred Weber MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP
Group, Eija-Riitta Korhola MEP, Carlo Casini MEP, Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs
THE ACTION PLAN OF THE EPP GROUP 2009-2014 IN THE MEDITERRANEAN:
AIMS AND INITIATIVES
AIMS
THE INITIATIVES
• Identification of reliable political partners to form an
• Meetings of the Presidency of the Group with the
EPP network
Ambassadors of the Mediterranean
• Support for political and institutional reforms
• “Dialogue of the Dead Sea” Conferences
• Transformation of the Assembly of the Union for the
• Visits of the EPP Group to the Mediterranean countries
Mediterranean
• Promotion of a Charter of Values of the Mediterranean
• Promotion of the role of women
• Support for religious minorities
• Improvement of economic cooperation and the role of
SMEs
• Support for the peace Process in the Middle East
• Meetings with other Institutions
• Exchange Programmes with political representatives of
the South Mediterranean
• Support for women of the Mediterranean
Exchange
Programmes
with political
representatives
of the South
Mediterranean
Meeting of the
Presidency with
Ambassadors of the
Mediterranean
The role
of women
in the
Mediterranean
POLITICAL
INITIATIVEs
Dead Sea
Dialogue
Meetings
with other
institutions
Visits of the
EPP Group’s
Presidency in the
Mediterranean
countries
l-r: Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP
Group and EPP President EPP, Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
Meeting of the EPP Group’s Presidency with
Ambassadors of third countries of the
Mediterranean
The EPP Group organised several meetings with the
Ambassadors of the Mediterranean countries that are
Members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
These meetings were chaired by Vice-chairman Vito
BONSIGNORE MEP in the presence of Chairman Joseph
DAUL MEP and all the Members of the Group with political
or institutional responsibilities on issues related to the
Mediterranean and whose input was required.
Meeting the Ambassadors about the upheavals in the
Arab countries
30 March 2011, Brussels
another. Regarding his country, the Ambassador declared
that the democratic process in Morocco had already begun
20 years ago. In a more general way, he asked that the EU
should help all these countries to facilitate the introduction
of concrete reforms. He explained that better access to
trade and to agricultural production was necessary to
sustain the changes.
Vice-chairman Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, after an analysis
of events, requested to examine the situation in Egypt and
Tunisia from time to time, two countries that he considered
sensitive in relation to the future of the Mediterranean.
With regard to this he expressed his worry about the next
institutional changes in Tunisia, the urgency of the refugee
situation and the practical developments in relation to the
recently undertaken agreements between Tunisia and Italy
in order to hold back the wave of migration coming from
the Tunisian coasts.
The Chairman Joseph DAUL opened the meeting and
thanked all the attendees for their commitment to the
revival of Euro-Mediterranean relations at a time when
several countries were in the middle of a struggle for
democracy, declaring: “This an historic moment and also a
great moment of hope. The EPP Group has a duty to help
and support this process, but without imposing anything.
The EU must help this process and our Group must be at
the fore of this initiative”
Chairman then recalled the great work carried out by the
Group and the EPP Party with the Mediterranean countries.
The Ambassador of Morocco, Alem MENOUAR, warmly
thanked the EPP Group for organising this new meeting
and he suggested examining the situation country by
country as the revolts differ greatly from one country to
The Member Head of Delegation of the Arab Republic of
l-r: Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee
in the EP, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and
EPP President, Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group
in the September elections. In the meantime, the Egyptians
want a return to normality and the continuation of
economic activity.
According to Badr ABDELATTY, the Muslim Brotherhood
represents about 30% of the electorate and he spoke of the
problem caused by Egyptian workers living in Libya.
Mário DAVID MEP, Chairman of the Mashreq Delegation
in the European Parliament and Vice-chairman of the EPP
regretted that the EU had prioritised stability and, in the
past, had indirectly supported non-democratic regimes. He
explained the visit of the European Parliament in Egypt and
recalled that in this country, the population had increased
l-r: Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
and Alem Menouar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to
the EU
Egypt to the EU, Badr ABDELATTY, explained the situation
in his country. He pointed out that the revolution was
spontaneous and carried out by the Egyptians themselves,
and especially by middles class people. The army played
a very important role because, from the first day of the
revolution, no shot was fired by the army against the
people.
He went on to say that the Egyptian revolution began
without any real leaders; it was a spontaneous movement
of the people. The constitution has already been modified
and elections have been announced for September 2011.
He explained that on 19 March 2011 a referendum had
ratified constitutional reform, which would allow the
formation of new political parties which could participate
l-r: José Ignacio Salafranca MEP, EPP Group Coordinator on
the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Mário Dávid MEP, Vicechairman of the EPP and Chairman of the Mashreq Delegation
in the EP
by 1.3 million per year. He pointed out that Egypt had
four sources of revenue: tourism, international transfers,
the sale of gas and rights on the Suez Canal, which due to
the internal situation are strongly compromised.
According to Mário DAVID MEP, the Muslim Brotherhood
had declared that they represented 40% of the electorate.
He underlined the extent of trafficking of humans, drugs
and arms in the Sinai peninsula and he concluded by
mentioning the need to revive the debate on the Middle
East Peace Process.
José Ignacio SALAFRANCA MEP, Coordinator of the EPP
Group in the Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the need
for a real European policy of neighbourhood and adaptation
to the new situation. For this reason a Working Group was
created within the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in order
to analyse future perspectives. He also pointed out the
importance of accompanying the political actions of the
EPP by actions supporting economic development in these
countries.
Elmar BROK MEP, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Affairs underlined the priorities in the context of the
revolutions in the Arab countries and, particularly, the
priority for democracy, freedom and economic development.
He also insisted upon the urgent need to make progress
with the Middle East Peace Process.
Antonio CANCIAN MEP, Member of the Committee on
Transport and Tourism spoke of three urgent matters: the
humanitarian and migratory situations, the search for new
credible interlocutors and economic development.
Badr Abdelatty, Deputy Head of Delegation of the Arab Republic
of Egypt to the EU
Tokia SAÏFI MEP, questioned the Ambassadors about the
presence of the EU in the Mediterranean and economic
development, wishing to know what the future role of
the Union for the Mediterranean would be and even the
conditions for the revival of the UfM.
The Mauritanian Ambassador, Brahim KHLIL, thanked the
Members of the EPP Group for their commitment to the
Arab people, who are thirsting for freedom, democracy
and justice. Dictatorships, injustice and “kleptocracy” must
be rooted out, as was the case in Tunisia, Egypt and more
recently in his country, Mauritania. The Ambassador then
underlined the role played by the internet and the media,
especially Al-Jazeera.
Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
in the EP with Branko Baricevic, Ambassador of the Republic of
Croatia to the EU
The Algerian Ambassador, Amar BENDJAMA, also thanked
the EPP Group for its initiative in organising the meeting.
He dealt with several points including the current situation
in the region and the problems of bad governance, the
economic crisis and the lack of hope for young people.
The Ambassador pointed out that a country like Tunisia
receives approximately 2 USD per inhabitant from the EU,
in other words 5 times less than Moldavia. Tunisia and
Egypt must revive their economies starting with tourism;
and the EU could support this revival.
The Algerian Ambassador also explained that in Libya
there was a civil war in which Al-Qaeda were buying arms,
and in particular ground to air missiles. “What is going to
happen to Libya after the civil war?” he asked.
Antonio Cancian MEP, Member of the Committee on Transport in
the EP and Tourism and David Stellini, EPP Group Press Advisor
As far as the revival of the European Policy of neighbourhood
was concerned, he declared that Algeria had made important
concessions in favour of the Association Agreement with
the EU. Algeria receives about €1 per inhabitant from the
Association Agreement.
Lastly, the Turkish Ambassador, Selim KUNERALD, pointed
out that Turkey considers the democratic transformations
in Arab countries very favourable. Turkey shares the same
values and objectives as the EU. In this domain the Union
for the Mediterranean has a very important role to play.
The Jordanian Ambassador, Sem Oklah ALZOUBI, stated
that the funds intended for the Union for the Mediterranean
were not sufficient. He said that regional projects needed
resources, but these were not easily found and that was a
problem. In his view, the European Union did not consider
the development of the Mediterranean a priority. He admits
that there is goodwill but that was not enough.
The Deputy Head of Delegation of the Arab Republic of Egypt
to the EU, Badr ABDELATTY spoke about the problems in
Libya and Palestine, which have been somewhat forgotten
over recent weeks. Egypt supported the UN’s Resolution, but
with all the prerequisites. He made it very clear that Egypt is
not offering military aid to the rebels in Libya and there are
still a million Egyptians in Libya. His action is focused on the
importance of not dividing Libya into two or three parties,
which would be a mistake in his view.
l-r: Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Paolo
Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group and Branko
Baricevic, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the EU
l.-r.: Sem Oklah Alzoubi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan and Mário David MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP and
Chairman of the Mashreq Delegation in the EP
He went on to recall the importance of dialogue in both
Libya and Palestine. He explained that certain extremist
slogans against Israel emerged during the protests in Cairo,
but he confirmed that the day after the elections the issue of
Palestine would be once again handled without extremism.
He underlined that if Israel really wants peace it must show
willingness and stop the construction of colonies. It is only
through a goodwill gesture that they can sit down and seek
a compromise.
During his intervention, Mário DAVID MEP, Chairman of
the Mashreq Delegation in the EP and Vice-chairman of
the EPP stressed the fact that Egypt and the Arab League
supported the UN’s Resolution. He considered that the
Peace Process had been neglected and that the Palestinian
people were very happy with the winds of democracy
sweeping through Egypt without being concerned with the
risk of losing an ally.
Roberta ANGELILLI MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament, stressed that the period of crisis has provided
an opportunity for change with great potential for progress
and that the duty of the EU was to always support these
changes. “Each country must commit itself - an ambitious
European strategy is required”. She then said that the
Union for the Mediterranean should not only address the
issues of the secretariat, but also more specific projects.
She also alluded to the current problems of extraordinary
immigration in Italy.
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament
Gunnar HÖKMARK MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group,
underlined the causes which triggered the rebellions. The
absence of reforms is one of them, and without them
democracy is not possible. He stressed that it is necessary
to begin a political dialogue and that commercial and
economic development should be accompanied by a
democratic process.
Antonello ANTINORO MEP, EPP Coordinator on Fisheries,
said he agreed with Gunnar HÖKMARK MEP and added
that a solution must be found soon in order to avoid more
serious problems. He wanted the European Parliament to
act using all its powers.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP, Vice-president
of the European Parliament, expressed her appreciation
for the setting-up of this meeting, which she deems to
be of great importance. She believes that the EU does
not currently have the means to assist the countries on
the southern shores of the Mediterranean owing to the
restrictions of the budgetary policy. In order to boost
private investments she has, therefore, proposed a donors
conference for humanitarian aid.
Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group, thanked all of the participants, recalling the EPP
Group’s commitment to strengthening and improving
Euro-Mediterranean relations. He has requested increased
collaboration between the EU and the countries of the
Mediterranean in order to ensure peace and development,
and to realise the aspirations of young Mediterraneans.
The Member Head of Delegation of the Arab Republic
of Egypt to the EU, Badr ABDELATTY, declared that the
Mediterranean region is faced with an unusual situation
requiring an untraditional response. The first requirement
is the flow of finance in order to prevent any delays in
implementation of the project.
Elmar BROK MEP, Chairman of the European Parliament
Committee on Foreign Affairs referred to the term Mare
Maria Da Graça Carvalho MEP, Member of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the EP and Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP
President
Nostrum, originally used by the Romans to designate the
Mediterranean sea. He believes that money alone will
not resolve the problem, but rather building common
structures to ensure that the money is used correctly.
Furthermore, Elmar BROK felt that the issues of the region
may be addressed together. With regard to the Middle East,
he questioned whether the EU was willing to grant bank
guarantees and offer its support to ensure the security of
both countries and promote a peace agreement.
Simon BUSUTTIL MEP, Chairman of the Maltese Delegation
in the EPP Group, alluded to the tragic events in Libya,
where news is followed every minute and not every hour.
Malta has received thousands of people from the entire area;
800 people arrived in just one day. The
only relevant political line regarding
relations between the EU and the Arab
countries is to support the democratic
process in these countries. “The EU
must be fully focused on the countries
which are taking the democratic route”
he declared. “It is clear that the EU has
a duty to provide as much support
as possible to these countries in their
transition process towards democracy.
Without wishing to impose anything
and aside from the financial aspects, the
EU could share its own experience in
the democratisation process”, he added.
Morocco has shown its interest in
creating a Euro-Mediterranean Bank,
a concept which was approved during
the plenary session in Rome at the
beginning of March 2011. There
is a huge requirement to increase
financial aid and to review the existing
financial envelope. Migration should
be considered in a global and regional
context.
Cristian Dan Preda MEP, Vice-coordinator of the EPP Group of the Foreign Affairs
Committee for European Parliament with Branko Baricevic, Ambassador of the Republic
of Croatia to the EU
With regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy, there
are two opinions: one leaning towards the East and the other
towards the South. In this context, the Ambassador launched
a call for an end to the rivalry within the EU between those
who support the countries of Eastern Europe and those who
are in favour of the countries in the South.
Gunnar HÖKMARK MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group,
observed a general tendency to discuss the consequences
of migration and not of the problem itself. He also stressed
that the time has come for the neighbours in Southern
Europe to make better use of the funds available. Gunnar
HÖKMARK MEP concluded his statement by indicating that
it would be an occasion for both parties to take advantage
of this opportunity.
Left: Simon Busutill MEP, Head of the Maltese Delegation in the EPP Group. Above: Amo Ferhati, office of Tokia Saifi, Amar Bendjama,
Algeria’s Ambassador to the EU, José Ignacio Salafranca MEP, EPP Group Coordinator of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Tokia
Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights Committee of the Assembly of the Union for Mediterranean
Policy Below right: Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights Committee of the PA-UfM and Amar
Bendjama, Algeria’s Ambassador to the EU
l-r: Antonello Antinoro MEP, EPP Coordinator of the EP Fisheries Committee, Salvatore Iacolino MEP, EP Committee on Civil Liberties,
Justice and Home Affairs, Marco Scurria MEP, EPP Coordinator of the EP Culture and Education Committee, Antonio Cancian MEP,
Member of the EP Committee on Transport and Tourism.
Alem MENOUAR, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco
to the European Union, expressed the opinion that,
although Morocco has made continuous efforts towards
reforms, the lack of financial resources is an obstacle to
achieving results. Conversely, many countries in Eastern
Europe have succeeded in joining the European Union as
a result of significant financial support in order to meet
the Copenhagen criteria. In addition to financial aid, the
Ambassador underlined other means of providing support:
through trade, access to European markets and by means
of cross-border cooperation. He also highlighted the
absorption capacity of each country.
Amar BENDJAMA, Ambassador of Algeria, believes that
financial aid may be decisive where it involves sustaining
development. The key word is investment, particularly in
the SMEs. This would provide valuable support to company
reforms and to the creation of employment.
Alem MENOUAR, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco
to the European Union, closing the meeting for his
part, expressed his satisfaction for having been able to
participate in a high-quality debate. The EPP Group once
again confirmed its concerns regarding the difficulties and
insurgency in the Mediterranean region. There is a common
will to work together and make the “Mare Nostrum” an area
of peace, stability and prosperity. The Ambassador assured
the Members that there are interlocutors in these regions
willing to continue the dialogue with the EPP Group.
Centre: Antonio López-Istúriz MEP, Secretary-General of the EPP
Vice-Chairman Vito BONSIGNORE MEP reviewed the
comments and proposals made, while guaranteeing that
would be taken into account and reflected in the Group’s
future activities. The matter of migration must be addressed
within a common framework and South-South migration
must also be taken into consideration.
In his closing speech, Vito BONSIGNORE MEP also recalled
the dream of the young generation to realise democratic
reforms and he asserted that he himself, the Chairman of
the Group Joseph DAUL MEP, as well as all of the Members
of the EPP Group will be open to any discussions in relation
to this matter and will be willing to provide their support.
Tokia SAÏFI MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on political
Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights of the PA-UfM,
emphasised the need for both sides of the Mediterranean
to intensify the dialogue in order to implement clear and
concrete co-operation plans with a real impact on both
societies. Fatma ELZAHRAA, Ambassador of Egypt thanked
the EPP Group for the invitation and stressed the problem
of assets from the regime of the former President Hosni
Moubarak, which are frozen in European banks. She
considered that it is essential for European institutions to
have a clear position on the matter.
Meeting with the Ambassadors of the Mediterranean
countries
7 May 2013, Brussels
The Meeting was chaired by the Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, with the presence of the
Secretary-General of the EPP, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ
MEP, Roberta ANGELILLI MEP, Vice-president of the
European Parliament, Lia SARTORI MEP, Chairwoman of
the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.
Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Ambassador with Herman Achille Van Rompuy,
President of the European Council
Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė
MEP, Member of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the UfM
Alem Menouar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco
to the EU
l-r: Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European Parliament,
Sem Oklah Alzoubi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ioannis
Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
The Chairman Vito BONSIGNORE MEP announced that
the EPP Group launched an “exchange programme”
with political parties from countries of the Southern
Mediterranean. He noted the importance of creating a
political platform for the Mediterranean. A meeting with
the partners of the Mediterranean will be arranged at the
Dead Sea in Jordan before the 2014 elections.
Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ MEP, Secretary-General of the EPP,
stressed that the Mediterranean region is a main priority for
both the EU and the EPP. The EPP family must support the
countries which are moving towards democratic change.
Amar BENDJAMA, Ambassador of Algeria, welcomed the
organisation of this latest meeting and emphasised that
the countries of the Mediterranean region are fighting
for stability, against the economic crisis and against
unemployment and poverty in an economic and political
transitional context.
He then said that the dialogue
needs to be reinforced between the European Union and
the countries of the Southern Mediterranean in order to
solve common problems such as terrorism and illegal
immigration.
Sem Oklah ALZOUBI, Ambassador of Jordan, stressed that
it is especially important to ensure peace and stability in
the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He considered
that the European Union plays a leading role in the peace
process in the Middle East, particularly, by granting all
necessary aid to the Palestinian Authority. In the context
of instability in the Middle East, the Ambassador of Jordan
reiterated that his country is suffering from the Syrian crisis
at all levels, as are the neighbouring countries. Apart from
the Peace Process, cooperation must also be focused on
free trade and mobility partnership, he affirmed.
Tahar CHERIF, Ambassador of Tunisia, stressed the need
to assist the countries of North Africa by increasing
cooperation and strengthening technical assistance.
Mohammed BELAYACHI, Representative of Morocco,
reiterated the need for dialogue, not only at governmental
level, but also with the representatives of Moroccan civil
society. According to him, the EPP Group should launch cooperation programmes with the NGOs. In Morocco many
private institutions are recognised by the Constitution such
as the National Council for Human Rights.
Antonio CANCIAN MEP, Member of the Committee on
Transport and Tourism, emphasised that it is important
to develop a common economic and social area in the
Mediterranean. He suggests creating a Task Force or a
working group in order to implement actual plans.
Cristina GUTIÉRREZ-CORTINES MEP, reiterated that the
Euro-med countries suffer from the lack of an overall plan.
“Indeed, it is not appropriate to provide financial resources
to Arab countries without a common structured plan, in
addition to concrete guidance which takes into account the
most relevant aspects”, she stressed.
Dialogue of the Dead Sea
Parliamentary conference of the EPP
GROUP - KAS
“The future of the Union for the Mediterranean”
9 February 2014, Valley of the Dead Sea, Jordan
The EPP Group, as the leading force of the delegation of
the European Parliament in the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), took part
in its plenary session on 8 - 9 February 2014, in Amman
( Jordan).
Two political party representatives per country
participated in the conference on 9 February 2014, giving
a total of approximately 30 people. On behalf of the
EPP, its Chairman Joseph DAUL MEP, Maria DA GRAÇA
CARVALHO MEP, Member of the PA-UfM, Tokia SAÏFI MEP,
Chairwoman of the Political Affairs, Security and Human
Rights Committee of the PA-UfM, Cristina GUTIÉRREZCORTINES MEP, Member of the PA-UfM, Rodi KRATSATSAGAROPOULOU MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament and Santiago FISAS, MEP, Member of the PAUfM. The Director of the Jordan office, Otmar OEHRING,
took part on behalf of the KAS.
Following the plenary session, the EPP
Group in conjunction with the Konrad
Adenauer Foundation (KAS), organised a
parliamentary conference with political
partners from parties of the Southern
Mediterranean.
This Meeting is part of the EPP Dialogue
of the Dead Sea, an initiative launched
in 2008 to extend the influence of the
EPP in a region which has always been
dominated by the International socialist.
This event was organised in Jordan
and in Tunisia and made it possible to
exchange opinions on current political
issues and on potential common political
initiatives within the PA-UfM. This also
made it possible to finalise a political
agenda in order to give a more practical
form to cooperation.
l-r Atef Tarawneh, President of the Jordanian House of Representatives, Joseph Daul,
MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President
This Conference made it possible to pursue the strategy
aiming to bring together political partners with the
objective of creating an active network whose purpose
would be to revive the Union for the Mediterranean. The
revolutions in the Arab world over the past two years have
led to political and institutional change and change in the
organisation of these societies which ought to permit a
new order in international political relations. The EPP, the
largest European political family, is today recognised as the
political player with the best ability to interpret this new
order in the entire European neighbourhood.
years, as HM King ABDALLAH II had announced during the
meeting in Brussels with the EPP a series of reforms have
begun. The first phase of the reforms began during the Arab
revolutions with an independent Constitutional Charter,
containing a number of Human Rights amendments. He
stated that today Jordan represents a model for the entire
Arab world. The people of Jordan were the first to call for
reforms and the Jordanians are also aware of the fact that
they have played a crucial role for the Syrian refugees. They
opened their borders to them, despite a very problematic
situation.
The Conference addressed the reforms which should
be introduced in order to strengthen the Union for the
Mediterranean, and the support which the EU should offer
in order to drive the democratic processes forward, reforms
regarding the rule of law, justice, economic and financial
rules.
He added that cooperation between the two shores was
also vital for the peace process in the Middle East. It is
important to find political solutions with regard to this
delicate matter, and also for resolution of the Syrian crisis,
by requesting a much more significant effort from Europe.
The Conference acknowledged that the EU and the
Mediterranean together represent a billion citizens. These
are citizens who expect to become a real world power
together. It is now up to us to make this happen.
The Chairman of the EPP Group, Joseph DAUL, opened
the meeting by welcoming all the participants and thanked
the KAS for its support in the organisation of the event.
He then gave the floor to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives in Jordan, Atef TARAWNEH and to Otmar
OEHRING, Director of the KAS in Jordan.
Atef TARAWNEH, Speaker of the House of Representatives
in Jordan, highlighted the values he shares with the Group.
He declared that he wishes to pursue the road to reforms,
with the encouragement of the King of Jordan. In recent
Otmar OEHRING, Director of the KAS in Jordan, noted
that Europe pays close attention to what is happening in
the countries on the southern shores of the Mediterranean,
whether North-South or South-South relations. He thanked
the Royal family of Jordan for the example it has set and
for its encouragement in the development of democracy
and Human Rights.
Chairman Joseph DAUL MEP, announced the EPP family’s
willingness to support the democratic processes, without
imposing solutions. He also gave an account of his visit
to the Zaatari refugee camp, stating that this humanitarian
tragedy is the symbol of relentless violence.
He recalled the EPP’s commitment to further investment in
the Mediterranean in order to assist the democratic reform
processes and promote social and economic development.
l-r : Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Political Committee of the PA-UfM, Atef Tarawneh, President of Jordan Chamber of
Representatives, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and President of the EPP
The Libyan representative, Abdulmagid EL-MANSOURI, Chairman of
the Libyan Economic Development
Consultancy Corporation (ABC) expressed his desire for the organisation of a conference with the Finance
Ministers in the near future, given the
instability of some countries on the
Southern shore. He emphasised that
Europe must make a greater effort
to assist the democratic process. He
suggested that peacekeepers could
be sent to Libya.
Maroun KARAM, representative of
the Maronite Community in Lebanon,
expressed his great pleasure at the
invitation received and for the
opportunity to discuss current issues
in the countries of the Southern
Mediterranean. He stressed that there
will not be economic change without
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and President of the EPP
stability in the countries. Several
projects remain on the agenda, such
as renewable energy and water.
According to him it is understandable that, for many
Furthermore, he said that the banks are healthy and can
countries, it takes time to assimilate the issues from such
invest, providing that peace and security are guaranteed.
changes, in the hope that these changes move in the right
direction. The EPP is willing to offer its expertise to the
He concluded by reiterating that the western democratic
countries that want to establish a political regime compliant
model must be properly explained, in order to prevent
with the rule of law, democracy, Human Rights and ethnic
people being distrustful and opposing the reforms. The
and religious minorities, including equality between men
EU is a model for everyone and the Mediterranean could
and women.
benefit from it.
Ahmed TOUHAMI, Moroccan representative, warmly
thanked Chairman Joseph DAUL, for this meeting and also
for the previous meetings organised in Brussels by the EPP
Group, as they allowed him to become familiar with the
objectives and values expressed by the EPP. He declared
that they are fully shared by his Party.
Houari BENARBA and Seddik CHIHEB, Algerian
representatives, expressed their appreciation for the strong
political ties which have been established between RND
and the EPP. They stated that the EPP’s interest in the
parties on the Southern shore is an important historical sign
for the development of a real Union for the Mediterranean.
Mohammad Al JAHOU, Jordanian representative, considered that all of the countries involved are responsible for
the situation in Syria and Lebanon. He asked the EU for
financial assistance as well as an active political role and
not just a marginal one based on the decisions of the United
States. They are aware that for the EPP Group and for the
EU freedom and the values of democracy are essential, but
for the countries of the Southern shore security, stability,
a better life for the citizens are more important, with
democracy only coming fourth on the list. Without security
and without a Peace Process there will not be democracy.
The Chairman, Joseph DAUL MEP, noted that in the
countries of the Southern shore a revolution is currently
underway and it is necessary to work together for security
and democracy. “It is a very long and slow process, but
these are Arab countries which must take charge of their
own destiny, Europe can only accompany them on their
way towards democracy, but cannot impose it,” he affirmed.
In terms of political stability and security in the
Mediterranean, there are two prerequisites for the success
of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, Tokia SAÏFI MEP,
Chairwoman of the Political Committee of the PA-UfM
stressed that the upheavals experienced by a large number
of countries in the Southern Mediterranean represented
both an opportunity and a challenge. They have revealed
to the entire world the extraordinary interdependence of
their economies and their populations with the large crossborder flows, given that what happens in one country has
an almost immediate impact on its neighbours, hence the
temptation to intervene, either directly or indirectly.
In this context, she added, stability has become a vital issue.
However, with regard to institutional or governmental
stability, in recent years, the world has turned a blind eye
to the regimes in place. The lesson to be learned from the
events following the revolutions after 2011 is that foreign
support cannot guarantee the maintenance of a dictatorial
regime if the people no longer want it.
Tokia SAÏFI MEP added that in order to ensure the
success of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership stability
must certainly be promoted, but it must be real stability,
long-term stability, which can only be democratic. The
important issue is to be able to go beyond the events in
order to grasp the profound movement of society, listen to
its expectations and its demands. There cannot be political
stability without social stability or without respect for
fundamental rights. “We are living in crucial times and it is
just when a certain number of countries have decided to
draft their new Constitution that the EU, the UfM and the
EPP family have definitely a role to play in highlighting
these dimensions and these values.”
“The debate on the peace process in the Middle East and on
Syria is underway”. The various Jordanian, Libyan, Algerian
and Palestinian representatives reiterated that there cannot
be peace in the Middle East without resolution of the
Israeli-Arab conflict and of the conflict in Syria. Europe has
become ineffective regarding the matter and the people of
the Southern shore no longer understand what they have
to do”.
“The real problem of extremism lies with the young people
because of the situation in the Palestinian Territories and
the war in Syria. They have asked for greater European
involvement to assist with talks and for a peaceful
solution to the conflicts. The importance of the concept
of forgiveness, mediation and dialogue is one of the key
values of the EPP family.”
“Generally speaking, the members of our Group believe
that for Mediterranean policy to be efficient, it must also
be integrated and address the various factors which affect
the political, economic, social and cultural life of our
populations, with the purpose of developing a prosperous
region with concrete challenges and projects”.
Cristina GUTIÉRREZ-CORTINES MEP and Rodi KRATSATSAGAROPOULOU MEP addressed the concrete actions to
be developed in the near future.
Cristina GUTIÉRREZ-CORTINES MEP considered that the
EU should have a unique strategy for the Mediterranean.
Instead of taking steps for the countries individually, on
an economic and social level, it would be more effective to
decide on an overall order of priorities for the Union for
the Mediterranean.
The small individual projects are necessary, but with an
overall view and with long-term goals. Cristina GUTIÉRREZCORTINES MEP believes that we have to know where we
want to go and what we want to do in the Mediterranean.
As mentioned by Santiago FISAS MEP on several occasions,
it is not easy to build a democracy. All the interlocutors
must sit down and come to an agreement about the ground
rules for democracy. The EPP family can assist in this
process, particularly through its political influence within
the European Council, through the Commission Services
and by means of the relations and work of the European
Parliament.
Certain subjects are a priority for a better neighbourhood
relationship between the EU and the Mediterranean:
security, education and energy, economic development.
Moreover, as reiterated by Cristina GUTIÉRREZ-CORTINES
MEP, the history of the Mediterranean did not begin in 1971,
but with the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians,
the Arab cosmographies and philosophers such as Plato
or Sénèque. It is important for young people to know the
history of the Mediterranean. This history represents unity
in diversity.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP, expressed her
belief that the countries on the Northern and Southern
shores of the Mediterranean are partners and should work
together to seek balance and stability which would imply
the solution to the common problems. All parties have,
however, different challenges to meet. The countries of the
Southern shore are asking for assistance from the European
Union but the EU also has its weaknesses because it does
not have an army or a genuine single foreign policy.
The EU is especially not able to resolve the Peace Process
in the Middle East. On the other hand, the EU is in a
position to facilitate it.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP stressed that the
policy of the EU needs stability for it to be effective. On the
other hand, the Arab League, the Maghreb League, Muslims,
Christians and Jews, all together, and particularly the
democratic parties in these countries must play their part.
“A strategy must be determined together like a large family
and together we must decide how to act and by what
means. A good example of this common strategy is the
network of mayors of the cities in the Mediterranean and
the economic and social Committee.
We must work simultaneously at all levels, particularly on
a political and parliamentary level in order to defend our
values in society”, she added.
Maria DA GRACA CARVALHO, MEP, stressed the possibility
of joining forces in order to take a step forward. The
countries of the Southern shore must open themselves up
to the world and the European Union could help them to
take that path.
The representative for Morocco stated that the countries of
the Southern shore had a very weak level of democracy,
justice and freedom with economic problems and a very
high rate of unemployment. It is for this reason that citizens
take to the streets to protest and this is how violence starts.
support them in the process of decentralisation of power
and administration.
Houari BENARBA, representative of the Algerian Party RND,
insisted on the reforms. He indicated that it is necessary
to reinforce economic and social stability and this could
only be done by means of reforms. Santiago FISAS MEP
subsequently developed several lines of concrete action to
carry out in the near future, based on economic stability,
security and cooperation with an integrated overall vision
of the neighbourhood policy in the Mediterranean and, of
course, transparency and good governance and economies
which steer the country towards growth and employment.
The Chairman Joseph DAUL MEP, confirmed the need
to develop together a path between the two shores of
the Mediterranean, to join efforts in all areas, not only
democracy, but also political institutional and administrative
stability.
He also added security in areas such as energy, supply,
food, education, culture, training and all of the other
areas. Closer and stronger North-South and South-South
collaboration is proving essential.
The EPP family, the Party and its Group in the European
Parliament will always be ready to continue along this path
together, inspired by the values of the EPP: democracy, the
rule of law, Human rights, the Rights of women, freedom
and non-discrimination, particularly religious.
The Arab League exists, but with the instability in the Arab
countries, no one takes responsibility for the changes. For
this reason, people turn towards Europe, this beacon of
democracy and freedom. These people ask for Europe to
Country-by-country analysis on the date of the meeting
in the Dead Sea
9 February 2014
Algeria
The Arab uprisings in 2011 spared Algeria, still bruised by
the bloody civil war in the 1990s. Although the country
got through the outbreak of Arab revolution, the political
instability owing to the fragility of President BOUTEFLIKA’s
presidency, the loss of legitimacy of the party in power –
the FLN- and even the security imbalances caused by the
Jihadist Groups in the Sahelian region, made it impossible
for the country to establish a viable political structure.
Presidential elections are planned for the first half of 2014.
The current President, in spite of ill-health, seems prepared
to seek a fourth mandate with the support of the FLN-RND
coalition in power.
Libya
From January 2011, numerous protests broke out in Libya,
violently suppressed by the Praetorian army of Colonel
GADDAFI. In the face of the growing violence, the Security
Council of the United Nations voted for the establishment
of a no-fly zone. Substantial military and civilian aid was
provided by international institutions (NATO, EU), western
powers (France, Great Britain, USA) and also the Arab
States (Qatar). After the fall of Gaddafi’s regime, a political
landscape started to develop, orchestrated by a significant
Islamist influence. Nevertheless, in spite of the transition
in progress, the political, legislative, judiciary and military
systems require a major overhaul. The problem of the
armed revolutionary groups hampers the creation of an
efficient political system. Apart from being a tribal state
divided into 3 regions (Fezzan, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica),
the revolutionary groups put their own interests above the
stability of the Libyan State. Furthermore, the weapons
trade in the Sahelian region, from Libya, was a destabilising
factor for the entire region, particularly Mali.
Morocco
The various popular Arab uprisings weakened the Moroccan
parliamentary monarchy ruled by King MOHAMMED VI
since 1999. However, in his role as leader of the believers,
the impact was minimised. Indeed, king MOHAMMED VI
was able to anticipate the crisis augured by the “Movement
of 20 February” by holding parliamentary elections won by
the moderate Islamist group, the Justice and Development
Party (PJD). However, the improvement of democratic
advances still requires a better separation of prerogatives
between the various powers (that of the king and his cabinet
le Makhzen, and the governmentr). Moreover, western
Sahara occidental is still subject to dissent and is slowing
down the process of orgainsing regional cooperation.
Tunisia
The popular protests in 2010 forced the former Tunisian
President BEN ALI in power for 23 years to flee.
This change gave way to the creation of a new political
landscape focused on a multi-party system and freedom
of expression. The adoption in January 2014 of a new
progressive Constitution by a National Constituent Assembly
(NCA) consisting of different political trends, demonstrates
the path taken by Tunisia towards political transition. The
appointment of a government of technocrats following
Tunisian society’s rejection of the Islamist-inspired
government is also a good example. However, the rise of
religious extremism and of certain Jihadist Groups such
as “Ansar Al Charia” could be the cause of instability in a
country which remains politically fragile and is undergoing
a severe economic crisis.
Egypt
The popular revolution of 2011 drove the former President
MUBARAK to resign and stand trial for the acts committed.
Despite this excellent political change, the democratic
transition seems to be difficult to establish in Egypt. The
takeover by the Muslim Brotherhood, then the deposing of
the former President MORSI in July 2013 by the Egyptian
army, prevents the integration of all persuasions in the
political game. The Muslim Brotherhood, a large and
influential force, unlike the Salfi Al-Nour movement, refuses
to participate in the creation of a post-Mubarak Egyptian
political system. Furthermore, the stability of security in
the country has become a significant problem with the
upsurge of attacks and bombing in cities. Presidential
and legislative elections are planned, with predictions of
General Al-SISI’s candidacy.
Israel
The geopolitical position of Israel within the Islamic and
Arab world remains one of the most volatile. Indeed,
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seems difficult
despite international action, particularly the involvement
of the American Secretary of State John KERRY. The attack
in 2010 of the Gaza Flotilla complicated the resumption of
relations with Palestine as well as with Turkey.
Furthermore, the cold war raging between Israel and Iran
is also pushing back the pacification of relations with
its neighbours. In terms of internal political and social
situations, the country was faced with major protests in 2011
against economic and social deterioration. Additionally,
the 2012 elections won, with a slim majority, by the Prime
Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU did not make it possible to
effectively implement a coalition with the Israeli opposition.
Jordan
The Hashemite Kingdom has taken the same path as the
Kingdom of Morocco following various Arab revolutions
in 2011. Benefiting from the role of the King, the various
protests did not have the same impact as in other Arab
countries. Furthermore, King ABDULLAH was able to initiate
further political reforms in order to lead the country towards
a parliamentary monarchy in the process of democratisation.
The elections on 23 January 2013 are an example of
this reform process. It is important to note that Jordan is
influenced more by a political system of tribal influence and
is evolving towards a more concrete and specific political
pluralism. Despite its role of mediator in the Peace Process
in the Middle East, Jordan is at an unstable geopolitical
crossroads, which is suffering the consequences of external
violence (Syria, Palestine). For a long time the country has
been a reception centre for Palestinian refugees and with the
Syrian crisis, a land of asylum for Syrian refugees. Political
stability is essential to enable the country to overcome such
influences.
Lebanon
During the 20th century Lebanon suffered serious and
political and religious crises leading the country to civil
war (1975-1990). As a result, it has had to adapt to the
religious heterogeneity which characterises it (a President
from the Maronite Republic, a Sunni Prime Minister and a
Shiite Speaker in the Parliamentary Assembly). The death
in 2005 of the former Prime Minister RAFIC HARIRI divided
the country into two political movements: The movement
on 14 March (consisting of Sunnis from the Future Current,
the Christian Party Kataeb under GEMAYEL, Christian
Lebanese Forces under Samir GEAGEA and the Druze
movement under JUMBLATT) and that of 8 March (made up
of Maronite parties close to General AOUN and Shiites such
as Hezbollah and Amal). Furthermore, one of the political
specificities of Lebanon is to define itself by the outside
influences that it suffers. Syria has always been one of the
key players. Today, with the revolution striking it hard,
Syria’s political instability is being felt in Lebanon. The year
2014 began with a serious political crisis: a Prime Minister
was appointed without a specific government. Presidential
and parliamentary elections should be planned for 2014.
Palestinian Authority
There have been no real or effective developments in the
situation in Palestine for many years. Indeed, despite the
gestures of good faith from both sides and the diplomatic
aid provided by the American Secretary of State John
KERRY, numerous incidents prevent the return to effective
talks in order to revive the Peace Process. Moreover, many
internal political crises between Hamas and Fatah also
make it impossible to build a strong Palestinian political
line. Indeed, Fatah has a majority in the Cisjordan region.
Hamas on the other hand holds the monopoly in the
Gaza region. The social and humanitarian situation of
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and in the refugee camps in
the neighbouring countries is yet to be resolved.
Syria
Syria is the Arab country most affected by the Arab uprisings.
For three years, violent confrontations between the Alawite
government of Bashar AL-ASSAD (Shiite movement)
and the Sunni opposition has left thousands dead and
thousands displaced in neighbouring countries. Exiting
the crisis is made difficult by many outside influences
(Iran, Russia, Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) impeding
the potential effectiveness of the international community.
Furthermore, the current opposition is weakened by a lack
of homogeneity. Indeed, the various movements present,
including Jihadist Groups, make it impossible for the Syrian
opposition to be truly reliable and legitimate. It is difficult to
understand the real Syrian influences within an opposition
and army of rebels consisting mainly of foreigners from
other countries in the region and even from Europe.
Moreover, both sides are accused of atrocities, which begin
to undermine the credibility of the position and bombing
by the Syrian opposition. Following the use of chemical
weapons and the threat of military action by countries such
as France, Great Britain and the USA and Russia succeeded
in imposing a diplomatic route based on consensus. The
Geneva II Summit may turn out to be a means of finding a
solution between the two parties. Often delayed due to a
failure to compromise by both parties, it currently seems to
provide humanitarian solutions. Christians (approximately
12% of the Syrian population), suffer cruel persecution,
particularly from Al Qaeda and ISIS extremists.
Visits of the EPP Group’s Presidency to the
Mediterranean countries
EPP Group Delegation in Lebanon and Syria
25 - 29 April 2010, Beirut, Damas
An EPP Group Delegation, led by the Vice-chairman
responsible for political affairs in the Mediterranean,
Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, and including Rodi KRATSATSAGAROPOULOU MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament, Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP, Vice-chairman
of the EPP Group, Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Tokia
SAÏFI MEP, Chairwoman of of the Political Committee of the
PA-UfM and Mário DAVID MEP, Chairman of the Mashreq
Delegation to the EP, visited Lebanon and Syria from 25
until 29 April 2010, in order to meet with the institutional
and political authorities in both countries.
Both countries form part of the Barcelona Process; they
share and bring together the tension of the entire region
and, like the other countries, are key players for the success
of the peace process in the Middle East.
The visits to the two countries are to become a part of
the business of the Members of the Group who sit on the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
and are preparatory for future EPP Group meetings in the
region.
The visit to Lebanon, a country with which EPP Group has
always had very good political relations, made it possible
to reaffirm the EPP’s political support of the multinational
force the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
in the south of the country under a UN mandate. The
Group also acknowledges the efforts of the Prime Minister
Saad HARIRI in order to ensure stability and prosperity
in his country. The Members of Group encouraged the
Lebanese Parliament to have closer relations with the
European Parliament and with the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM).
In addition to the visits of the French, Italian and Portuguese
contingents of the UNIFIL and its Commander MajorGeneral Alberto ASARTA CUEVAS, the Prime Minister Saad
HARIRI and the Chairman of the Parliament Nabih BERRI,
there will also be meetings with the Foreign Affairs Minister
Ali HUSSEIN, the former President of the Republic Amin
GEMAYEL, the former Prime Minister Fouad SINIORA and
the Patriarch H.E. Nasrallah Boutros SFEIR.
Vito BONSIGNORE MEP and the EPP Group Delegation
encouraged all of the Lebanese authorities present to
continue their efforts to guarantee peace, stability and
prosperity and offered the support of the EPP Group in the
pursuit of these objectives. The Delegation announced to
be prepared to work closer with the authorities and offer
coordination within the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Union for the Mediterranean. Political representatives of
the Government alliance of “14 March” stated their interest
in closer contacts with the EPP and the IDC.
In Syria, the Delegation met the President of the
Parliament Mahmoud AL-ABRASH, the Vice-president of
the Farouk Republic, AL CHARAA, the Vice-prime Minister
Abdullah DARDARI as well as Haitham SATAIHI, Head of
international relations of the Baath Party. All the Syrian
political and institutional authorities greatly appreciated the
availability of the EPP Group for dialogue, and requested
collaboration with the biggest parliamentary Group of the
Visit of the Delegation of the EPP Group to UNIFIL in South Lebanon. l-r : Jorge Soutullo EPP Group Advisor responsible for
Mediterranean policy, Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group, Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group, Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Political Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM, Patrick Laurent, Head of the
Delegation of the European Commission in Lebanon, Amo Ferhati, Office of Tokia Saïfi, Mário David MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP and
Chairman of the inter-parliamentary Delegation of Mashrek in the EP, Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
European Parliament. The EPP Group Delegation met the
Grand Mufti of Syria Ahmad BADR EDDIN HASSOUN.
UNIFIL was created by resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 of
the United Nations in March 1978 on the initiative of French
General Jean CUQ, following an escalation of violence
along the Israeli-Lebanese border, which culminated in the
invasion of Lebanon by Israel. Originally 4,000 men were
deployed over an area of 650 km². The most recent extension
of this mandate was made by resolution 1697 of the United
Nations Security Council of 31 July 2006, which renewed
its mandate until 31 August 2006. With resolution n° 1701
of the United Nations Security Council, it was decided to
reinforce the UNIFIL contingent in Southern Lebanon by
15,000 soldiers, of whom half would be Europeans. Its
mission would be reinforced by 15,000 soldiers of the
Lebanese army, to form a buffer zone between Lebanon
and Israel. We note that this force does not have any aerial
support as a deterrent in case of conflict.
The EPP Group Delegation visited the French, Portuguese
and Italian contingents as well as the Quarter General
where they were received by, among others, Major General
Alberto ASARTA CUEVAS, who welcomed the decision of
the EPP Group to become familiar with the Peace Process
on site. The EPP Group Delegation were able to see for
themselves the application of resolution 1701 of the
United Nations, which gives the mandate to UNIFIL for
its buffer and peacekeeping actions in Southern Lebanon
between the River Litanie and the Blue Line (controlled by
Hezbollah) and Israel.
Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
outlined the importance of UNIFIL’s action and referred to
the full support of the EPP Group for peacekeeping actions,
l-r: S.E. Gabriele Checchia, Italian Ambassador to Lebanon,
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Major
General Alberto Asarta Cuevas and Patrick Laurent, Head of
the Delegation of the European Commission in Lebanon
these being indispensable for stability in the region. Vicechairman of the EPP Group, Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP
raised the question of Hezbollah’s arms and Israeli flights
over Lebanese territory. Chairwoman Tokia SAÏFI MEP
wished to know if a force like UNIFIL would be considered
in Gaza. Chairman Mário DAVID MEP was interested in the
deployment of contingents from more than 30 countries
as well as their responsibilities and the organisation of
troops. The delegation was accompanied by the Head
of Delegation of the European Commission in Lebanon,
Patrick LAURENT.
The Members of the Presidency and the other Members of
the EPP Group raised the question of the terms of concrete
Chairman BONSIGNORE MEP wished to increase the
power of the parliamentary dimension in favour of peace
in the Middle East and called for the full participation of
the Lebanese Parliament at the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Union for the Mediterranean.
The Prime Minister Saad HARIRI hoped for the strengthening
of ties between the two parties, the EPP and the Future
Movement. He attributes special attention to the relations
between the EU and the Arab World. The Partnership
between the EU and Lebanon must be strengthened.
Mutual confidence must be restored and the development
of the partnership must continue.
collaboration between the EPP Group and the Lebanese
parties who would share the same values and wished
to strengthen the links, especially with the “14th March”
forces: Future Movement (of Fouad SINIORA and Saad
HARIRI), Kataeb (Amine GEMAYEL) and the Lebanese
Forces (Samir GEAGEA). They met all their leaders.
The Members of the EPP Group expressed the support of
the EPP Group for the political development of Lebanon
and asked about the main political challenges in Lebanon
as well as the expectations of the Lebanese parties with
regard to European institutions.
The EPP Group Delegation also met the President of
the Lebanese Parliament Nabih BERRI (Amal, allied with
Hezbollah), who stressed the importance of parliamentary
relations. President BERRI regretted that the EU had not
been vocal enough in support of peace in the Middle East.
His Beatitude Maronite Patriarch Boutros SFEIR explained
the situation for Christians in the Lebanon and the Middle
East in general to the EPP Group delegation. He regretted
that the number of Christians in the region was decreasing
steadily. In Syria, there was a meeting between Members of
the EPP Group and the Grand Mufti Ahmad BADR EDDIN
HASSOUN, who explained that in Syria there is only one
monotheist religion: that of father Abraham, with its three
branches (Moses, Jesus and Mohammed). There is one God
for Jews, Christians and Muslims. He insisted on the fact
that we must reflect on the opportunities and challenges
that society must face. We must share our various roots
and assess not just the historical solidity and weight of
Syrian-European relations but also the expectations of
Syrian and European societies. Built over centuries, SyrianEuropean relations combine closeness in terms of history,
immigration, trade and cultural and institutional exchanges.
In any case we must strengthen the ties between the two
peoples, ties that are the result of free choice and a decision
that has not been imposed.
His Beatitude the Maronite Patriarch Boutros SFEIR and Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group and Tokia Saïfi MEP,
Chairwoman of the Political Committee of the PA-UfM
The EPP Group Delegation in Tunisia
27 - 29 February 2012, Tunis
dialogue with the Mediterranean interlocutors of the
Parliamentary Assembly of Union for the Mediterranean.
A delegation of the EPP Group’s Presidency, led by the
Chairman Joseph DAUL MEP and including Manfred WEBER
MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Jan OLBRYCHT
MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group and Rodi KRATSATSAGAROPOULOU MEP, Vice-president of the European
Parliament, went to Tunisia from 27 to 29 February 2012
for meetings with the institutional and political authorities
of the country after the Jasmine revolution, which was the
first of the Arab revolutions.
The Presidency of the Group met the following key people:
The visits to Tunisia are among the various activities of the
EPP Group in the region in order to set up a permanent
• Hamadi JEBALI, Prime Minister of Tunisia
• Adrianus KOETSENRUIJTER, EU Ambassador to Tunisia
• Rashid Al-GHANNUSH, Leader of the Ennahda Party
• Touhami ABDOULI, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
• Mustapha BEN JAFAR, President of the Constituent
Assembly of Tunisia
• Kamel MORJANE, Leader of the Initiative Party
• Mohamed JEGHAM, Leader of the Homeland Party
• Maya JRIBRI, Secretary-General of the Progressive
Democratic Party (PDP)
l-r: Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, His Beatitude the Maronite Patriarch Boutros SFEIR, Rodi KratsaTsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European Parliament, Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Amo
Ferhati, Office of Tokia Saïfi, Jorge Soutullo, EPP Group Advisor responsible for Mediterranean policy
Meeting of the EPP Group’s Presidency with M. Mustapha
BEN JAFAR, President of the Constituent Assembly of
Tunisia
The EPP Group’s Presidency organised this visit at a
time when Tunisia was at the centre of the international
stage, when its long-standing government and president,
BEN ALI, who had established a dictatorial regime, was
overthrown by a popular uprising following the Jasmine
revolution. Throughout his mandate BEN ALI and his
family wielded power and influence in practically every
area of the administration of the country. Under the strict
control of BEN ALI, nepotism and corruption was rampant
in almost every Tunisian institution. As the years passed the
party and the administration of the country moulded into
one, which hindered any efforts to fight against corruption
and set up a more efficient means of government. So
unemployment became an endemic problem, particularly
among young people, which provoked in them a feeling of
frustration faced with no possibilities or prospects for them
to improve their economic situation. A wave of social and
political protests spread in Tunisia in 2010 forcing BEN ALI
to leave the country for Saudi Arabia.
The EPP Group wished to meet the Tunisian parties to
initiate a constructive dialogue with them. Elections with
a view to forming a Constituent Assembly took place on
23 October 2010. None of the ministers that served under
BEN ALI were allowed to participate. The Constituent
Assembly that came out of the election with 217 members,
was charged with writing a new constitution and new legal
texts. The Islamic party Ennahda took 90 seats (41%), the
parties of the left came in second and third positions, with
30 seats for the Congress for the Republic (CPR) and 21
l-r: Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, MEP, Vice-president of the EP, Joseph Daul MEP,
Chairman of the EPP Group and President of the EPP, Mustapha Ben Jafar, President of the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia
l-r : Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP President, Rashid
Al-Ghannush, Renaissance Party leader Ennahda, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European Parliament and
Manfred Weber MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
seats for Ettakatol. A three-party coalition government or
“troika” was formed with the parties more to the left having
a small majority in the parliament.
The visit of the EPP Group’s Presidency is also as a
result of the political support given by the European
Union to the Tunisian transition, which manifested itself
in a series of high level visits. The first was by the High
Representative, Catherine ASHTON, at the beginning of
the uprising, followed by President BARROSO and the
Commissioners FÜLE, MALMSTRÖM and GUCHT. After
the revolution, the EU increased the funds available for
l-r: Touhami Abdouli, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, European Chargé des affaires, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group
and EPP President, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-president of the European Parliament
bilateral cooperation. For the year 2012 alone it doubled
the amount of subventions so that they reached the sum
of 160 million Euro. These funds are specially destined for
the economic recovery, the development of civil society
and the democratic transition. In this respect, 9.7 million
Euros was mobilised for the preparation of the elections.
This aid was provided in several forms: the supply of
material and an election observation mission to assist the
authorities of the country, as well as direct support for civil
society organisations. The Union provided 100 million Euro
for economic development, especially health, logistics,
transport systems and the information technology sector
as well as an envelope of 20 million Euros for regional
development.
Meeting of the EPP Group’s Presidency with Touhami
ABDOULI, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, in charge of European Affairs
The EPP Group supports an efficient and coherent
European policy of neighbourhood allowing the concept of
differentiated partnership to provide bespoke cooperation
with each country of the Mediterranean region. The
events that took place in the Mediterranean countries
reminded Europeans of the fall of the Berlin wall, when
Europe was capable of showing solidarity. The EPP Group
thinks that the European Union should be in a position
to conduct a neighbourhood policy for the Mediterranean
countries keeping this in mind. In fact, it is in the interest
of the European Union to help support the process of
democratisation and the EU has many advantages to offer
as spokesperson of the numerous players of the civil
society, the pillar of transition in the region.
support of civil society which contributes to encouraging the
consolidation of the political parties, symbols of the plurality
of opinion such as we know in Europe.
The political message of the Presidency of the EPP is above
all the support of political reforms leading to democracy,
the rule of law and respect for Human Rights, following
up closely on these policies and measures that the new
government will decide to implement in matters related
to the economy, security, budgetary and judicial reform as
well as the national strategy of combating unemployment.
The EPP Group is convinced that long-term stability will
be achieved by strong European support for a largely
pluralist democratisation process, moderated and carried
out by the Arab countries themselves. The members of the
EPP Group’s Presidency continued to give their support
to the players in the region that advocate democracy and
respect for Human Rights. We are behind those who thirst
for progress, freedom and development.
The EPP Group is fully committed to support democratic,
political, economic and social institutional development in the
whole region. Therefore, there must be democratic reforms
and a fairer division of economic resources, with more active
l-r: Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group and EPP
President with Hamadi JEBALI, Prime Minister of Tunisia
Meeting of the EPP Group PRESIDENCY with
other Institutions
Neighbourhood policy: the funding of
Euro-Mediterranean projects
25 March 2014 Brussels, European Parliament
On 25 March 2014 on the initiative of Cristina GUTIÉRREZCORTINES MEP, the Working Group of the Mediterranean
of the EPP organised a meeting on the Funding of EuroMediterranean Project and invited Fathallah SIJILMASSI,
Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Other relevant participants were:
• European Investment Bank (EIB): Mario AYMERICH,
Director in charge of environment and regional
development, Projects directorate
• European Commission: Irène MINGASSON, Head
of Unit, Regional Programmes, Neighbourhood South,
DG DEVCO; Silvia CRESCIMBENI, International
Cooperation Officer, Geographic Coordination,
Neighbourhood South; Fernando NINO PAGE, DG
DEVCO, International Cooperation Officer, Regional
Programmes - Neighbourhood South; Grazyna
BOGUSZ, DG DEVCO, International Cooperation
Officer, financial Instruments for sustainable growth
and development; Bruno MARADEI, DG DEVCO,
International Cooperation Officer, financial Instruments
for sustainable growth and development
• European External Action Service (EEAS): Madeleine
MAJORENKO, Head of the Division for European
Neighbourhood policy (ENP)
• Embassies: Igor DAVIDOVIC, Head of Mission of Bosnia
and Herzegovina to the EU Gordana MILOSEVIC,
Counsellor, Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to
the EU; Hana KOUDMANI, Researcher, Permanent
l-r : Mario Aymerich, European Investment Bank, Cristina
Gutiérrez-Cortines, MEP and Fathallah Sijilmassi, Secretary
General of the Union for the Mediterranean
Delegation of the League of Arab States; Mohamedou
Moustapha DIAKITÉ KABA, Counsellor, Mauritanian
Embassy; Hadi SHEBLI, Member at Embassy of Palestine
Authority; Mr Nabil BEN KHEDHER, Plenipotentiary
Minister, Tunisian Embassy; Mounir BEN RJIBA,
Counsellor, Tunisian Embassy; Mounir BELAYACHI,
Ambassador’s Assistant, Embassy of Morocco; Talal
DAHER, First Secretary at Lebanese Embassy; Ilir
NEZAJ, Counsellor, Albanian Delegation; Maged
MOSLEH, Assistant Head of Delegation, Embassy of
Egypt; Ala ALGHIZZAWI, Second Secretary, Jordanian
Delegation to the EU; Mohamed Sofiane BERRAH,
Counsellor, Embassy of Algeria; Suzana DREŠAJ,
Permanent Representative of Croatia to the EU.
This event provided a forum for discussing the role of
the Union for the Mediterranean and concrete actions of
l- r: Jean Roatta MEP, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and Fathallah Sijilmassi, Secretary
General of the Union for the Mediterranean
the European investment Bank, as well as its financial
instrument, the FEMIP, in the Mediterranean region and
within the framework of the various UfM projects.
The European investment Bank has a specific section for
co-operation with Mediterranean countries: the facility for
Euro-Mediterranean investment and partnership (FEMIP).
In recent years the FEMIP has contributed to strengthening
the institutions that work in the political domain and
in cooperation with the Mediterranean, such as the
Barcelona process and the Union for the Mediterranean.
Many complementary actions have been carried out in the
Mediterranean region by the EIB-FEMIP.
The EIB developed lines of investment and important
projects within the framework of the FEMIP, which has the
task of contributing to the economic and social development
of partner countries of the Mediterranean, and which are
the main guiding lines for the future development of the
region. The FEMIP gives financial support to municipalities
and helps them carry out their projects. It also lends
support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to the
Mario AYMERICH explained that the European investment
Bank funded many projects amounting to 10 billion Euros
in various sectors such as transport, renewable energy,
clean-up of the Mediterranean and urban development.
The priorities of the EIB are economic growth and job
creation, knowing that if we want to stop the migratory
flow, we must help the countries on the South. This is the
reason why this is a priority for Europe today.
The Union for the Mediterranean brings together 43
countries on both sides of the Mediterranean. It aims to
strengthen regional cooperation in areas such as transport
and mobility, sustainable development, the environment,
water, education, justice, women’s rights, job creation and
infrastructures. There are currently 16 projects in progress.
Fathallah Sijilmassi, Secretary General of the Union for the
Mediterranean
sectors of industry, energy, the environment, transport and
telecommunications as well as development of human and
social capital.
The General Secretary of the Union for the Mediterranean,
Fathallah SIJILMASSI, outlined in his contribution that
“we must not be overly positive, but we must not be too
pessimistic either. We must be down to earth, know what
we have done and what we can realistically do. We must be
operational and work on what is possible today, and that is
exactly what we are showing today. The added value of the
Union for the Mediterranean is the fact that the North and
the South are working together to establish priorities and
take action. It is the only framework in which the North
and the South really work together. In order to succeed,
we must not forget the “human factor”. We must be in a
position to offer young people prospects for the future”.
l-r : Jean Roatta MEP, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Union for the Mediterranean, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines,
MEP, Mario Aymerich, European Investment Bank
l- r : Fathallah Sijilmassi, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines MEP, Mario Aymerich,
European Investment Bank, Jean Roatta MEP, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
Irène Mingasson, Head of Unit, Regional Programmes - Regional Neighbourhood South, DG DEVCO European Commission
Exchange Programmes with countries of
the south of the Mediterranean
Following the political and social upheavals brought about
by the “Arab Revolutions” which began in 2011, the EPP
Group developed an Exchange Programme to establish
and strengthen the links with the new Parties and the
movements of civil society of the Countries of the South
Bank of the Mediterranean. The aim of this initiative was
to give the EPP new means of action in this region and to
become an influential force for the promotion of democracy
in the freedom and respect for fundamental rights. The EPP
and the “Wilfried Martens” Foundation are associated with
the Programme.
The series of Exchange Programme began with Tunisia and
six Members of the Jomhouri, Nidaa Tounes, and Ennhadha
Parties and four representatives of the Youth Front were
invited to Brussels from 23 to 29 September 2012.
A second Exchange Programmes took place in Brussels
from 22 to 26 September 2013 with the participation of
14 Members of the Moroccan Parliament belonging to the
following parties: Istiqlal (Independence Party), People’s
Movement, National Rally of Independents, Constitutional
Union, Authenticity and Modernity Party and the Justice
and Development Party, as well as representatives of
Moroccan civil society.
Algeria was the last country with whom the EPP family
held an Exchange Programme, from 27 to 30 January 2014
in Brussels. The EPP welcomed 8 members of the Algerian
Parliament belonging to the National Rally for Democracy
party and two representatives of Algerian civil society.
The partnership between the EPP, the EPP Group and the
“Wilfried Martens” Foundation met with great success for all
the Exchange Programmes. The partnership allowed for a
full and intensive programme which was much appreciated
by our guests. The discussions, which were always very
open, were a forum to present the values of the EPP family
and to exchange ideas, aspirations and difficulties with our
neighbours, who find they are living through a difficult
period of a new era.
The seminars organised during the Exchange Programmes
covered many subjects concerning political dialogue,
economic and social cooperation as well as concrete matters
like immigration, security and university exchanges, to
name but a few. During the discussions the EPP always
asserted their viewpoint on values, especially, peace,
democracy, rule of Law, fundamental rights and respect for
ethnic and religious minorities.
The Exchange Programmes also allowed for rapprochement
with the guest parties and ease of dialogue between them.
The dialogue on a national level is the key to success in
bringing about necessary reforms to set up rule of law,
regulations regarding democracy and individual freedom,
including freedom of expression and religious practice.
The EPP Group Exchange Programme Tunisia
23 - 29 September 2012, Brussels
The series of Exchange Programme began with Tunisia
when six Members of the The Jomhouri, Nidaa Tounes, and
Ennhadha Parties and four representatives of the Youth Front
were invited to Brussels from 23 to 29 September 2012.
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group,
Coordinator of WG Euromed and Member of the Parliamentary
Assembly of Union for Mediterranean
On this occasion, the Group, the Party and the “Wilfried
Martens” Foundation provided several opportunities for
discussion and meetings with the Members of the Group
dealing with current topics and the future of the region.
Martin KAMP, Secretary-General of the EPP Group,
welcomed the Tunisian Delegation and he introduced the
Group, its mode of operation and the schedule for the
week. He opened the floor for comments and suggestions.
The Tunisian Delegation expressed the wish that in the
future the programme be decided together.
Among the activities was a seminar to discuss the future
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the
Mediterranean (PA-UfM) and cooperation between the
parliamentary groups.
Vito BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group,
opened the meeting by underlining the strategic importance
assumed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for
the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), being the only parliamentary
body bringing together all the states of the Mediterranean.
He pointed out that aim of this Assembly is to represent all
the Mediterranean people with a view to achieving common
political stances and improving the quality of life of citizens.
“This Assembly is the special and unique place to help increase
parliamentary culture, which is the reason why we must entrust
precise responsibilities and duties to the PA-UfM”, he said.
Jean ROATTA MEP, referred to the economic situation
of the region, stating that for centuries there has been
economic and financial exchanges in the Mediterranean,
which facilitated important cultural and socio-economic
development. The Economic Committee of the PA-UfM
meets to examine the new economic future which must be
based on common and essential values. Jean ROATTA MEP
Jean Roatta MEP, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Union for the Mediterranean and EPP delegate for Morocco
said that the changes in Tunisia are opening up a new vista
for a new economic phase and decentralised cooperation.
Tokia SAÏFI MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on political
affairs, security and Human Rights of the PA-UfM explained that
the situation in the Middle East remains at the centre of debates
in the Political Committee where among others a Palestinian
delegate and and Israeli delegate sit as Vice-presidents.
However, the Arab Revolutions and the prospects for the
future of the citizens of the Mediterranean basin took up
most of the committee’s debate.
Tokia SAÏFI MEP also stressed the importance of supporting
efforts to establish a real democracy, as well as economic
and social progress. She announced the organisation of
two forums of her committee: the Forum on Civil Society in
Marseilles in 2013 and the Forum on Women in Casablanca
in November 2012.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP, Vice-president of
the EP and Member of the PA-UfM, commented on the
importance of bringing together the Tunisian Members and
the representatives of young people of civil society for a
week to discuss, share and plan common projects.
programme by doubling its funding. This could contribute
to mutual confidence.
Marie-Thérèse SANCHEZ-SCHMID MEP said that a priority
for the culture Committee of the PA-UfM is participation in
the “EU2020” strategy. The aim of this strategy is to develop
intra-Mediterranean mobility by starting with young
university students, and also by professional training.
Education must have pride of place. In order to be efficient
and provide the most opportunities, exchanges must be
made in the two directions.
Marie-Thérèse SANCHEZ-SCHMID MEP recalled that “in
order for people to understand each other they must
first know each other”. Therefore it is important to set up
exchanges between universities and academics, in addition
She presented the initiatives made in the PA-UfM to
promote the University networks of the Mediterranean,
from Portorose in Slovenia. The Euromed universities are
a new idea; here people can do masters and doctorates.
The network provides for extending higher education and
professional skills of young people to respond better to the
cultural and social challenges mainly, but also economic
and global ones. However, although it is innovative, this
project needs the various universities involved. Without
them, it is impossible to put together funds, know-how
and human resources.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP, also stressed the
importance of strengthening the Erasmus Mundus EU
The Tunisian delegation
Sonia KARMA, the Nidaa Tounes Party,
made the comment that Tunisia still had a
long way to go and that “its” international
institutions (the African Union and the Arab
League) are not very active. In the context
of culture and education, she pointed out
that there should be co-operation between
the Universities and enterprises.
Firas ABDELKEFI, the Youth Front said
that they need a road map: “It is clear to
us that there are several obstacles to the
work of the UfM, especially the Israeli-Arab
conflict”.
Marie-Thérèse SANCHEZ-SCHMID MEP,
stated that the partnership between the
two banks of the Mediterranean should be
built together and that each should be able
to find opportunities therein.
Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the
Committee on Political Affairs, Security
and Human Rights of the PA UfM
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vicepresident of the EP and Member of the
PA-UfM
to the exchanges between institutions, to establish strong
cultural links. With respect to education, that translates
into the initiative “Erasmus for all”.
Nebil CHEMEK, the Jomhouri Party, said that there should
be more transparency and more media coverage as well as
more immediate effects. He also stresses that there should
be more mobility: free exchange and free movement of
people and goods between equal partners. “This would
resolve all the socio-economic problems of Tunisia”.
The EU is participating mainly for the
creation of policies with shared values.
Here the European experience brings
pragmatic know-how, that is to say that the
constitution of uncontrolled funds is detrimental for the
smaller and weaker economies. It is important to agree on
priorities and then to advance with defined aims. It is work
that will take a long time, the short-term not envisaged.
Tokia SAÏFI MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on
political affairs, security and Human Rights of the PA-UfM
explained that the UfM was set up to strengthen the former
Partnership (the Barcelona Process), which petered out
due to lack of visibility and following the problems arising
from the Middle East conflict.
The idea behind the UfM was to give
the people of the Mediterranean basin
greater insight into the results of the UfM
and to create more projects involving
these populations. As for the Israeli-Arab
conflict, that is also part of the UfM. The
Assembly wanted to leave aside the
political issues in the framework of the
solution to the conflict. The aim is to
move towards better integration on the
level of the UfM. The Euro-Mediterranean
project can only be developed through
common understanding and dialogue.
Imen BEN MOHAMMED, the Ennahdha
Party, said that the Mediterranean is
linked through love and hate. With
regard to the university, Tunisia
must adapt by introducing reforms.
The problem lies in the difficulties
adapting, and the difficulties that
young people have if they stay in the
country, as there is no hope for their
future.
Nebil Chemek, Jomhouri Party
A second seminar was organised to discuss the situation
of Tunisia in the context of the European Neighbourhood
Policy.
Cristian Dan PREDA MEP and Vice-coordinator of the EP
Committee on Political Affairs, chaired the meeting and
explained that the EU and the EPP Group wish to have
much greater involvement in the Mediterranean; hence
the increase in financial and technical resources in the
European budgets benefiting the Mediterranean basin. He
Imen Ben Mohammed, Ennahdha Party
supported the creation of a real partnership that would
only be possible with the strengthening of bilateral and
multilateral cooperation, as well as with the creation of
strong institutions in order to have true democracy there.
He also commented that the position of the EPP Group
is very clear in its support of democracy, the rule of law,
fundamental rights and the rights and freedom of religious
and ethnic minorities in the Mediterranean. The EPP
Group is participating in the development of region and
in strengthening links between the different banks of the
Mediterranean. With this in mind, the EPP Group asked
Sonia Karma, the Nidaa Tounes Party
Mohammed Khardhaoui, the Ennahdha
Party
the institutions of the European Union to support the
populations who demonstrated for their rights during the
Arab revolutions. The EPP Group provides regular support
to the civil society by way of its foundations.
Cristian Dan PREDA MEP said that in his opinion, only
democracy for the people could ensure stability. The EPP
Group is ready to make a contribution and lend its expertise
to institute true democracies with solid institutions.
Alessio CAPPELLANI, EEAS, explained that the European
External Action Service (EEAS) is giving electoral
assistance to Tunisia. The EU’s perception of the Tunisian
Cristian Dan Preda MEP and Vice-coordinator
of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the EP
political context shows a transition that will be difficult.
All fundamental freedoms are globally respected in
the Country. The EU defends the fact that the Tunisian
Constitution belongs solely to the Tunisians, but there are
strong concerns about certain articles, such as those on
freedom of speech and freedom of the media (which will
be limited), justice that is sometimes partial or a security
sector that has not yet been regularised.
After January 2011, the EU focused on political support by
means of visits and the strengthening of bilateral relations.
In this context technical assistance was provided by the EU
on the election front (organisation of elections, Civil Society
l-r : Chokri Zoghlami and Khalil Ghanmi, Al Jomhouri Party
Observatory and media Observatory). In cooperation with
Tunisia, budgets were increased regularly. Moreover the EU
plans the negotiation of ACAA with Tunisia, the integration
of the Tunisian economy with the European economy and
the liberalisation of air services.
Nabil BEN KHEDHER, Chargé d’Affaires at the Tunisian
Embassy to the EU, stressed that since the revolution, the
EU has given Tunisia very wide political support and very
strong solidarity, such as the follow-up carried out by a
task force, which maintained the advanced status. However,
Nabil Ben Khedher, Chargé d’Affaires for the
European Union at the Tunisian Embassy
Tunisia is requesting a special partnership and a strong
formula that would give access to a better status. This
status will come from its effects through the Action Plans
of the next five years and could lead to a new partnership.
Tunisia, however, asked to go beyond the simple freeexchange, which meant observing community gains. In any
case these negotiations would take several years.
Other new files would be introduced, such as the issues of
mobility and dealing with the management of migratory
EPP exchange week with Tunisia
flows. Tunisia asked the EU for not just programmes to stop
illegal immigration, but also ones to facilitate development
of internal regions. Tunisia had advantages; it is a moderate
country with a young population and respect for women’s
rights.
BEN KHEDHER added that above all democracy should
be consolidated and that socio-economic sectors should be
developed. Tunisia wanted a partnership that would last, as
well as to be treated as an equal.
Sonia KARMA, Nidaa Tounes Party, pointed out that the
Action Plan had indicators imposed by the EU and that all
hoped that women’s rights would be maintained. Sonia
Karma asked why Morocco had a special status and Tunisia
did not. Regarding the Maghreb Arab Union (MAU), she
stated that Tunisia was the only country which currently
had relations with all its neighbours. One solution could be
to make a number of bilateral agreements.
Imen BEN MOHAMMED, the
Ennahdha Party, pointed out that
there were positive and negative
points and that the future Constitution
only concerned the Tunisians.
Drawing this up is difficult and
the Tunisian Constituent Assembly
decided to look at examples abroad.
Cristian Dan Preda, MEP and Vice-Coordinator of the EP Foreign Affairs Committee, Paolo
Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group
Khalil GHANMI, Jomhouri Party, underlined the importance
of the main points in the new special status in the context
of the Association Agreement.
Mohammed KHARDHAOUI, Ennahdha Party, stressed the
fact that the Arab revolutions changed the dynamics in
many respects, especially in the mentality of the people.
Nabil BEN KHEDHER, EU Chargé
d’Affaires
at the Embassy of
Tunisia, underlined the difference
in terminology
between the
Association
Agreement,
which
constitutes a legal framework of
reference and the Action Plan
which is, on the other hand, nonbinding, but with which we are
trying to do as much as possible.
The Association Agreement is an
international Agreement. The Action
Plan is a political agreement which
is going to open the way for other
binding agreements. He said they
would like to have discussions about
agreements with the Civil Society.
The EPP family for a Mediterranean Charter of Values
focusing on the promotion of the Fundamental Rights
of Democracy, the Rule of Law, Women’s Rights and
Religious Freedom
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP and Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group, underlined the importance of common values
which would guarantee the union between the two shores
of the Mediterranean. He stressed that the EPP Group was
very committed to the promotion of values.
The Mediterranean Charter of Values is an initiative of
the EPP family which reflects the value of creating links
in the Mediterranean, starting with common links. The
aim of the EPP Group is the promotion of Fundamental
Rights, democracy, Fundamental Freedoms the Rule of
Law, women’s Rights, religious freedom and respect for
minorities.
Jaime MAYOR OREJA MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
and Head of the Spanish Delegation to the EPP Group
underlined the importance of discussing the common
values of the Mediterranean region. The future will be
cultural in essence, based on the nature of humankind and
its inherent values. He stressed that value of the “person”
was the same on both shores of the Mediterranean. For this
they must find points in common.
The Vice-chairman and Head of the Spanish Delegation
explained that there are two types of values: those that
affect the nature of a person and social values. The
problem arises when Humans, for convenience and out
of self-interest, invent false rights such as the “right to
abortion” or the “right to euthanasia”. He also pointed out
the importance of creating a forum in the Mediterranean
for real dialogue on common values.
Jan OLBRYCHT MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group,
referred to the debate on the religious question saying
that there should be a separation between religion and
politics at international level. At the same time, there must
be cooperation, dialogue and a presence between politics
and religion. The EPP Group is counting on the presence
of committed Christians in politics to defend its values.
Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group and
Head of the Spanish Delegation
Values such as the dignity of the person are universal and
these values are present in European Union texts. For
these reasons, the politicians should have a religious and
intercultural dialogue. Religious freedom is very important
for every society, whether in Europe or elsewhere.
“What is a person?” asked Mario MAURO. He made the
comment that you must understand in order to fully
respect what your dignity is. He underlined that we can
defend and respect human dignity. Religion is the greatest
opportunity there is to understand humankind. If religion
becomes an ideology, this reasoning becomes null and
void. This is the essence itself of the Christian Democrat
parties, which started in Europe. Because of this choice
there are three results visible in Europe: there is no death
penalty, an exceptional case for the last 70 years; Europe
has become rich (well-being); and the EU is living in peace
which is exceptional in the history of the continent.
You must have dialogue between people. In a democracy a
compromise has to be reached.
Mario MAURO MEP, underlined that if one person says
something silly and the other person does too and we reach
a compromise; then the result is a catastrophe. Therefore,
what is needed is truth. It is for this reason that there is a
programme in place to get to know each other, he added.
Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
Mario MAURO MEP Head of the Italian Delegation to the
EPP Group, pointed out that the fundamental aspects of
the EPP family are democracy and development. He said
that the birth of Christian democracy was a response
to ideologies which are the representations of reality,
leaving behind a part of reality itself in its own vision.
The ideologies wish to fit reality to its concepts. The worst
ideology possible is religious fundamentalism, hence the
idea of Christian democracy. The religious person is a free
person because he/she knows that there is something
greater than political life.
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP
Group pointed out the importance of respecting and
ensuring individual rights and the rights common to each
person as the axis of our action and our dialogue with
our partners in the Mediterranean. This is why the EPP
Group proposed the preparation of a Charter of Values in
the context of the PA-UfM.
This initiative of the EPP Group was adopted at the Rabat
Plenary session in March 2012. The Charter of Values
advocates in favour of the promotion of Human rights
and Fundamental Freedoms. The same goes for Gender
equality, religious freedom, the struggles against racism
and equality of opportunity. The independence of justice is
another fundamental point.
been transformed and has become universal and tolerant.
He also criticised religious minorities and insisted on the
distinction between State, politics and religion.
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP also pointed out that in Europe
there is also a debate on the role of religion and that this
debate is very important. The global economic crisis is in
part due to the loss of values, brought about by a society
that has become too egotistical. He stressed that the EPP
Group launched an appeal in Rabat for an inter-ministerial
meeting in favour of an Agreement between governments,
national parliaments and the European Parliament, and
also perhaps to include representatives of civil society.
Sonia KARMA, the Nidaa Tounes Party, greatly appreciated
the philosophical, cultural, religious and political
dimensions that were presented. She added that Tunisia
had been the first Arab country to have a constitution (1861),
to abolish slavery and to “liberate” women. She pointed out
that they felt a link with the EPP family. However, there are
not just the religious aspects to be considered as a basis,
but there is also the humanitarian side (non-religious). In
Tunisia, values are essential. Dialogue must lead us to a
consensus. In Tunisia, it is life that is at the centre, as it is
sacred (religion).
Rabeb BELTAIEF, Ennahdha Party, stressed the fact that
there is a “moderate interpretation” in Tunisia in the reading
of Islam. She considered that the French-style secular
extremism is just as dangerous as religious extremism.
Montassar JEMMALI, President of the League of Young
Patriots, stated that Islam is a tolerant religion but that some
Muslims make no effort to progress. He criticised certain
interpretations of Islam that remained in the 16th century.
In Europe, on the other hand, we see that Christianity has
Mario Mauro MEP, Head of the Italian PDL Delegation, EPP
Group
Jan OLBRYCHT MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group
wished to stress that even in the EPP Group, there are
internal debates on various subjects such as religious
freedom and the members are not always of the same
opinion. The debate reminded him of the political parties
in Poland in the years 1980 to 1990 when there was
opposition between Communists and Solidarity. From 1990
to 1995, the Communists divided into Socialists, Socialdemocrats and Post-communists, whereas Solidarity saw
the appearance of one party that was more of solidarity and
another more liberal. There was thus an economic rule, a
value rule and a European rule. It is very complicated.
Nebil CHEMEK, Jomhouri, agrees with the values formulated
because according to him these are Islam values. 90% of
Tunisians are Muslims and so what is sacred is important.
The Tunisian revolution is not ideological; it was organised
for freedom, dignity and employment. Tolerance leads to
respect. With regard to the separation between State and
religion, or politics and religion, he said that politics and
religion are different, but the latter provides vales that
inspire the State and laws. He pointed out the Republican
Party of which he is a member, is very close to the EPP
family. During the recent Tunisian elections, there was
manipulation of the electoral debate; some said “to be
more religious that others”.
Wala GASMI, Youth Front, wished to know what position
the EPP held in relation to the right to blasphemy. She also
recalled the case of a rape victim who was convicted of
indecency and asked what the opinion of the EPP Group
was on this point.
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP, on the subject of blasphemy,
spoke of the use that is made of laws. In all societies
Rabeb Beltaief, Ennahdha Party
respect for the religion of others is fundamental. The
debate should therefore centre on respect.. The main thing
is not to turn to extremes. In the three great religions of the
Mediterranean, 99% of the values are the same.
Imen BEN MOHAMMED, the Ennahdha Party, wanted it
noted that his Party is convinced of the need for dialogue.
With regard to religious minorities, his Party seeks respect
for the rights of and for religious minorities in Europe.
most Tunisian politicians. Their aim is to create channels
of communication between Europe and the young people
of Tunisia.
Mario MAURO MEP referred to the work of Fedor Dostievsky
on the relationship between truth and religion. “I would
choose truth over religion, for God is truth, but throughout
history there have been gods that were not true”. This is also
true for politics; the politician and politics are not the truth.
He said that politics could subscribe to truth, but must take
a stance in favour of peace and development. Otherwise
we enter conflict and in conflict we cannot carry on with
politics. Truth is the starting point for understanding the
reasons of the other person. We cannot say that the other
person is wrong because we ourselves are not the truth.
The duty of the politician is to understand the reasons of
the other (and that is Europe). So that is why Christian
democracy is anti-ideological.
Jean ROATTA MEP, Member of the PA-UfM, said that in
politics one needs truth but also courage. He wished to
know how the Tunisian guests saw the future of their
country.
Wala Gasmi, Youth Front Party
Mohammed KHARDHAOUI, the Ennahdha Party, said that
they have full respect for modernity, the aim of creating a
system like the Turkish one, which in fact inspires Arabic
thinkers. In the end, according to him Ennahdha is made
up of progressive people. You must have instruction in
dialogue and listen to others.
Zied SAGHARI, Youth Front, noted that Tunisians were in
too much of a hurry with regard to Transitional Justice.
On the status of women, it must be considered that the
code of personal status has been achieved, even though
made up of 99% of Shariah precepts.
Borhene EDDINE FAKHFAKH, the Youth Front, considered
that the use of religion in politics is a widespread habit for
Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group with the Tunisian Delegation
Outline of Parties invited (based on information dated
23 September 2012) and participants in the EPP Group
exchange week
Ennahda Party
The party was established in 1981. It was prohibited until
the fall of the Ben Ali Regime and the RCD. This, however,
does not mean that the Ennahda Party was not very much
in existence before it was legalised, which only occurred
on 1st March 2011. Ennahda has 89 seats of a total of 217
at the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia (41.01%) and is the
largest party in Tunisia.
Ennahda has been present in the Tunisian Government
since the end of 2011 (after the elections), with 14 ministers
out of 30 in the first democratically elected government,
which constituted the largest proportion of ministers.
Following governmental changes, 2 other ministers were
acquired by it.
The Ennahda Party is defined as a Centre-right party, with
ideologies of moderate Islam, “Muslim democracy” and
economic liberalism. The rise to power of an Islam party
with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, was feared in the
context of Tunisia’s long history of secularism. However,
Ennahda adopted more moderate positions in order to
calm things down and has repeatedly reassured civil and
international opinions about its projects.
•the Tunisian Republican Party, unrepresented, as well as
certain Members from other orientations the independent
Slah Eddine Zahaf and the former Member of Ettakatol
Abdelkader Ben Khemir.
•The Republican Party defines itself as a centrist, liberal
party. The party is led by Maya JRIBI, former SecretaryGeneral of the PDP. It is the largest Tunisian party to be
led by a woman. Moreover, 4 out of the 9 positions at the
Jomhouri Secretariat-General are occupied by women.
Following the founding congress, nine elected Members
of the PDP contested the internal vote and temporarily
suspended their party membership.
l-r: Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group, Jaime
Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-chairman of the EPP Group and Head of
the Spanish Delegation, Ioannis Kasoulides MEP, Vice- chairman
of the EPP Group
Participants from the Ennahda Party:
Mohamed KHADHRAOUI, Chokri ZOGHLAMI, Imen BEN
MOHAMED, Amel BEN NASSER, Rabeb BELTAIEF and
Tarek BEN AHMED.
Jomhouri Party (Republican Party)
The Republican Party was established on 9 April 2012,
following the merging of the following political parties:
•the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), established in
1983
•Afek Tounes (AT), established in 2011
The Party obtained 22 seats out of 217 (10.14%): 16 from
the PDP, 4 from Afek Tounes and two other Members (an
independent and a former Ettakatol). However, it dropped
to 20 over the course of recent months. It is still the main
opposition party in Tunisia and the second largest party in
the country equally placed with the DFLL Party (Ettakatol)
At the moment, the political Group PDP in the Constituent
Assembly of Tunisia is still stable, although some dissident
Members want to create a new Group, with the support
of dissident Members from Ettakatol and the Congress for
the Republic (CPR), two minor parties participating in the
government. The founding members of the Republican
Party did not enter the governmental coalition. On the
executive committee are: Maya JRIBI, Secretary-general
(ex PDP) and Yassine BRAHIM: Executive secretary (ex
Afek Tounes).
Among the Tunisian Parties, Jomhouri stands out for its
work regarding the economic situation, which is still
vulnerable, and the fight against extremism. The situation
is tense given that the opposition among the conservatives
(particularly the Ennahda Party) and the progressives
(including the Jomhouri Party) focuses on issues such as
mentioning Islam in the Constitution, the role and rights of
women and international relations. The Republican Party
created, in collaboration with the Democratic Modernist
Pole, a political platform to the Constituent Assembly of
Tunisia called “Group of Democrats”.
Participants from the Jomhouri Party: Nebil CHEMEK and
Khalil GHANI.
Nidaa Tounes Party
Nidaa Tounes was launched on 20 April 2012 and legalised
on 16 July 2012. Its founder is Béji CAÏD ESSEBSI, who
was Prime Minister of Tunisia during most of the transition
period (from February 2011, after Mohamed Ghannouchi,
until December 2011, with the appointment of the new Prime
Minister, Hamadi Jebali).
The Party currently has 6 Members in the Constituent Assembly.
It is in opposition and attempts to engage in “constructive
opposition of the government”. Its objectives are as follows:
• The need for the Constituent Assembly to officially
define the duration for drafting the Constitution and
to immediately begin to make preparations for the next
elections within the timeframes set.
• The implementation of a rescue plan for the national
economy based on consensus in order to regain the
confidence of the citizens, restore security and stability
with the aim of encouraging production, development
and investments, create further employment and slow the
deterioration of the purchasing power of citizens.
• The necessity in social terms to attach greater importance
to young people and to establish an urgent plan for
vulnerable groups and marginalised regions on the basis
of social equity and national solidarity.
• The launch, as part of a national consensus, of a
transitional justice process with well-defined objectives
through an independent mechanism. This would to
handle past violations and to hold the perpetrators
accountable and, at the same time, provide
compensation for the victims in such a way that these
events of the past are not repeated.
• The removal of the danger of returning to interference
between the State apparatus and the apparatus of the
parties in power, while guaranteeing neutrality of
the administration in such a way that the selection of
leaders is solely based on competence and that the
appointment of senior Government officials on the
basis of political persuasion ceases immediately.
• The neutrality of mosques while terminating the militia
phenomenon and avoiding a return to dictatorship.
• The safeguarding of new-found individual and collective freedoms and protecting them against any violations and threats. This also applies to the freedom
of the press, of expression and of organisation, while
retaining the benefits of modern Tunisian society and
above all the rights of women.
• The enforcement of laws to prevent the dangers
of terrorism which threaten social security and the
national and international interests of Tunisia.
Marie-Thérèse Sanchez-Schmid, MEP, Member of the Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean with the Lebanese representatives,
candidates in the elections of June 2013 in Lebanon
• The reinforcement of Tunisia’s role at an international
level, avoiding any course of alignment abroad, in
accordance with positive neutrality in the principles of
respect for human rights, the rights of peoples and the
rights of relevant international conventions.
ministers, radical leftist activists and numerous “free
spirits”. While Nidaa Tounes tried to have a dialogue
with Ennahdha, the latter rejected it. There have been
talks to create a “Popular Front”, a left alliance within the
Constituent Assembly, which would include Nidaa Tounes.
Many former players from the beginning of the transition
have come together on this initiative. They include former
Participant of the Nidaa Tounes Party: Sonia KARMA.
Youth Front Party
The Youth Front Party (FJ) is a spontaneous association
created at the end of January 2011 by young Tunisians
“keen to contribute to the Jasmine revolution”. Having had
difficulties finding a political party which represented them
amongst those already in existence, these young Tunisians
founded their own association and began political work,
while searching for other young people who couldn’t find
their political ideas on the current political landscape.
Participants from the Youth Front:
Wala GASMI, Firas ABDELKEFI, Zied SAGHARI and
Borhene Eddine FAKHFAKH.
The role of women in the Mediterranean
The EPP Group meets with female Lebanese candidates
for the parliamentary elections in June 2013 - Lebanon
9 - 10 April 2013, Brussels
The FJ opted not to participate in the elections on 23 October
2011, preferring to strengthen their political commitments.
It is currently established in all the Governorates of Tunisia,
with the exception of the Sahel governorates (Sousse,
Monastir, Mahdia) and that of Jendouba (North-West).
The EPP Group considers that the participation of women
in public life is essential, particularly in the democratisation
process and governance of the South Mediterranean
countries. Women are the main foundation for a real
change in society towards true democracy.
The Youth Front is committed to many activities, the
political awareness of citizens and the creation of networks
to connect people. Many members of the FJ have also
carried out journalistic work, travelling to where they
observed events in order to document the situation and
provide people with access to real, unaltered information.
It should be noted that FJ is not a party and does not carry
out political work. It is more of a civil society organisation.
However, a large number of its members wonder whether
they should become a political party or not for the
forthcoming elections.
For this reason, on the initiative of Marie Thérèse SANCHEZSCHMID MEP, the EPP Group arranged for female Lebanese
candidates for the parliamentary elections in June 2013 in
Lebanon to visit the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Members of the Youth Front feel that they are more
concerned with security and economic matters (higher
unemployment, immigration levels, lack of economic
opportunities, respecting social rights and reducing
bureaucracy).
The coming to the European Parliament of 10 female
candidates for the elections was an exceptional opportunity
to send out a political message from the EPP Group in
support of the women from the South Mediterranean, in
order to encourage the deserving women to run for office
and to equip them with tools which are critical to the
success of their political endeavours.
This visit allowed them to meet with parliamentarians
and experts who provided them with expertise and
essential enrichment in subjects such as women’s rights,
parliamentary life and its functioning.
The date of the meeting, on the eve
plenary assembly in Brussels, coinciding
of the electoral campaign in Lebanon,
extraordinary opportunity for the success
of the PA-UFM
with the launch
represented an
of this visit.
Marie-Thérèse SANCHEZ-SCHMID MEP met with the
association “Women in Front”, whose mission is to request
parity from the Lebanese Parliament, which could be used
to set an example for neighbouring countries in the South
Mediterranean region.
“Women in Front” (WF), an association initiated by women
in the Lebanese civil society in June 2012, aims to promote
a fairer women’s representation in public life and in politics.
At a time when steps taken by the WF with regard to known
political factions in Lebanon have ended in a waiting game,
the EPP Group thought that a visit of this scale would have
considerable impact. It would have beneficial impact for
both the EPP Group and the women in terms of media
coverage, and it would be considerable leverage to raise
still further awareness amongst the political parties in
Lebanon.
Furthermore, this initiative was an opportunity to take
important action for women’s rights, and particularly the
right to parity in a nearby Mediterranean country. Indeed,
the EPP Group is well known for defending these values
and for its involvement in the Mediterranean.
José Ignacio SALAFRANCA MEP, Co-ordinator of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament
and Head of the Lebanese election observation delegation,
chaired the Meeting.
As an expert on North Africa and the Middle East, José
Ignacio SALAFRANCA MEP, explained the importance
for the EPP Group of having a close relationship with
Lebanon and the female candidates. In 2005 and 2009, he
was the Head of the European Union election observation
delegation. On both occasions, he was able to observe
a complex political situation based on a religious and
cultural patchwork.
Following the election observation mission, numerous
recommendations were drafted in order to improve the
political and legislative dimensions in Lebanon. The main
outcome of this observation was the poor representation of
women in the Parliamentary Assembly and in the political
parties. It highlighted the various recommendations made
by the delegation with regard to discrimination which
jeopardises the Lebanese political landscape.
Today, the European Union is attempting to change foreign
policy vis-à-vis countries on the southern shores of the
Mediterranean. José Ignacio SALAFRANCA MEP visited
several countries after the Arab revolution (Tunisia, Egypt
and Libya), to assess the European Union’s action towards
the democratic progress in countries in the region.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of clarifying
domestic policy in Lebanon. Modernisation of the future
electoral law may be an opportunity for women to benefit
from a better place in the political landscape. He also
pointed out the need to clarify the consequences of the
Syrian morass in Lebanon.
Joëlle ABOU FARHAT RIZKALLAH, Vice-president of
“Women in Front,” presented her non-governmental
women: the creation of a manifesto, the
launch of a campaign, the identification
of 64 potential candidates for the
elections and finally the creation of a
website. Moreover, in order to ensure
the presence of women in the political
arena, quotas are being suggested.
Mariya GABRIEL MEP, Member of
the EPP Group and Member of the
Committee on women’s rights and
gender equality in the European
Parliament, stressed the importance
of values and women’s rights as a
fundamental step for a modern state.
On the two Mediterranean banks,
the issues for women are the same.
The European institutions may serve
as an example to be followed by the
Lebanese candidates. For example,
inside the European Parliament parity
Mariya GABRIEL MEP, Member of the EPP Group and Member of Committee on Women’s
Rights and Gender Equality
is respected.
Quotas are a sensitive subject for Mariya
organisation and its objectives, the main one being to
GABRIEL, MEP as well as for José Ignacio SALAFRANCA
improve the empowerment of women in Lebanon for
MEP.
greater visibility in the media and the political landscape.
Santiago FISAS AYXELA MEP also stressed the sensitiveness
Although Lebanon may be a democratic country and is
of applying a policy of quotas. Nevertheless, that could be
considered to be one of the most democratic countries in
a way of increasing the role of women in politics.
the Arab world, educated women in employment do not
Sergio SILVESTRIS MEP, Member of the EPP Group and
participate in political life in the Lebanese Parliament or in
Member of the Committee on women’s rights in the
the political parties. Only four women are represented in
Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean,
the Lebanese Assembly.
said that the European Union was committed to improving
women’s role in politics. Financial aid was invested in
Thus, “Women in Front” has created a strategy based on
order to support women’s campaigns in the Arab world.
various points in order to strengthen the representation of
UNION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITS PARLIAMENTARY DIMENSION: THE
PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE UNION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN (PA-UfM)
The PA-UfM represents the parliamentary section of the Union
for the Mediterranean. It meets in plenary session at least once
a year and comprises 280 Members, divided equally between
the north and south banks of the Mediterranean. The Members of the South Shore are drawn from the national Parliaments of the member States of the EU and the EP.
• Committee on women’s rights;
• Committee on energy, environment and water;
• Working Group on the Euro-Mediterranean University
(EMUNI);
• Working Group on regulation and financial matters.
Each year, the presidency of the PA-UfM appoints a
different Member of the Bureau, while paying attention to
parity and alternating between presidents from the north
and the south. The PA-UfM Bureau is responsible for the
coordination of the Assembly’s work
and also has representative functions. It
is comprised of four Members appointed
for a period of four years; two Members
Countries
are appointed by the south of the
of the North
Mediterranean, one by the parliaments
of the member States of the EU and the
other by the European Parliament.
The PA-UfM adopts resolutions or recommendations by
consensus. They are not legally binding but contribute on
all aspects of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation that is the
remit of the executive bodies of the UfM, the Council of
UE
81
49
Albania
140
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Non UE
Croatiea
Monaco
10
Montenegro
Algeria
The PA-UfM has five permanent
committees and two working Groups:
• Committee on political affairs,
security and human rights;
• Committee on economic and
financial affairs, social affairs and
education;
• Committee on improving quality
of life, exchanges between civil
societies and culture;
National Parliaments (27)
European Parliament
Egypt
Jordanian
Israel
Countries of the
South
Founding countries
New countries
Lebanon
Morocco
Palestine
Syria
Tunisia
Turkey
Mauritania
130
140
10
the European Union, the European Commission and the
national governments of the partner countries.
The political family of the EPP was at the heart of the
actions in favour of reviving the role of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean as the
parliamentary section of the Union for the Mediterranean
and of strengthening the role of its committees and working
groups. The visibility of the PA-UfM depends on the ability
to work together with our Mediterranean partners by
associating the Council and the Commission.
The PA-UfM is one of the rare organisations that
bring together Israelis, Palestinians and other elected
representatives of Arab countries around the same table. It
includes permanent observers: the Arab inter-parliamentary
Union, the Arab parliament, Libya, the Committee of the
regions of the European Union and European Economic
and Social Committee.
should be closely involved in the preparation of the
biannual Summits of the Heads of State as well as the
annual meetings of the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the
Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean.
In parallel, the rules of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Union for the Mediterranean must be strengthened and
more extensive and precise rules of operation devised. An
ambitious project of the EPP Group is to constitute political
families in the Assembly, as is the case in the EP. Thus,
all the Members could organise themselves into political
groups according to existing political families, going beyond
the current Mediterranean Parliament - European Parliament
- Parliaments of EU Member States, which would lead to
better integration and efficiency.
The visibility of the PAUfM was strengthened
during the plenary sessions of Rome in 2011,
Rabat in 2012, Brussels
in 2013 and of the Dead
Sea in 2014. Our Group
showed how it could
work together with our
Mediterranean partners
by associating the Council and the Commission.
The EPP Group considers that it is important to seriously
renew the relations between the European Union and
the Mediterranean countries moving on from what has
been achieved like the Assembly, which brings together
28 member States of the Union and the Mediterranean
countries, including all the parties associated with the
Middle East peace process as well as all the countries that
have lived through the revolutions.
The EPP Group proposes that the PA-UfM becomes a body
with compulsory consultative power for all the points
and subjects that will be discussed later at the Council of
Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean. The Council
and the Commission of the EU should be associated with
and present at the Assembly. In addition, the Assembly
Sari Essayah, Member of the PAUfM and Member of the European
Parliament’s Delegation for relations
with Israel
Presentation of the parliamentary
Assembly of the Union for the
Mediterranean (PA-UfM)
Plenary
Plenary
Plenary
Plenary
Plenary
session VI
session VII
session VIII
session IX
session X
Amman, 12 - 14 March 2010
Rome, 3 - 4 March 2011
Rabat, 23 - 25 March 2012
Brussels, 11 - 12 April 2013
Dead Sea, 8 - 9 February 2014
The EPP Group was represented at the PA-UfM by a delegation
of 18 Members, the largest Group present, presided by Vito
BONSIGNORE MEP, Vice-chairman of the Group charged
with Mediterranean Policy. He usually convened the EPP
Members on the eve of the working meetings of the five
committees and the eve of the plenary sessions to prepare
the Group strategy. The Group had a strong presence from
among the 18 Members at each of the plenary sessions.
of EPP Members on the five committees and the role
played by its Coordinators, most of the amendments were
adopted. These included support for the democratisation
of all the countries of the region, support for the
consolidation of strong and democratic new institutions,
the need for an immigration policy that could be based
on a single EU strategy as well as an EU policy for
refugees, support for the formation of small and medium
enterprises, training, technologies, support of the private
sector for respect of cultural heritage, improving the
coordination of already existing financial instruments.
• the formulation of a reservation to the Recommendation
on “immigration and Integration”. The EPP Group did
not give its agreement on articles relating to judicial
issues affecting irregular immigrants, especially the
rights and obligations.
• more in-depth contact with Mediterranean interlocutors
and with EPP national Members. These contacts should
form part of a network to be developed between the
EPP Group and the EPP.
The EPP Group was able to state its political views on
all the initiatives of the PA-UfM, including the following
important issues:
• the launch of the debate on the Charter of Values for the
Mediterranean, on a revision of the current Mediterranean
partnership by replacing the three pillars of the Union for
the Mediterranean by three targets for political, economic
and social cohesion, on an integrated policy on migratory
flows which would make the EU and the third countries
take on the responsibility, for matters of security in the
region and on support for a market social economy
• the submission of most of the written and verbal
amendments to the various Recommendations of the five
parliamentary committees. Thanks to a strong presence
Tasks of the parliamentary Committees
The Committee on political affairs, security and human
rights
The Chairwoman of this Committee, Tokia SAÏFI MEP,
succeeded in inserting compromise amendments on all delicate
matters, especially the Middle East, in collaboration with the
Israelis and the Palestinians. She also managed to obtain wide
consensus on the question of the EMPA as Parliament of the
Union for the Mediterranean. The plenary sessions adopted,
by consensus the report of the Committee on political affairs
presented during the various plenary sessions.
- The Union for the Mediterranean – What is the added
value for the development of the Euro-Mediterranean
region?
- Freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs,
- The role of Civil Society in the international context of
the UfM
- Security in the Mediterranean.
The economic Committee
Most of the amendments of the EPP proposed by the
coordinator Dominique VLASTO MEP presented during
the various plenary sessions were adopted by a wide
consensus. Among these amendments, it is important to
stress the effect of the financial crisis, the willingness of
creating a real forum of free-exchange and support for
SMEs. The stumbling block at the economic Committee
was the future of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean
Investment and Partnership (FEMIP).
- Impact of the financial crisis,
-
The will to create a real free EuroMediterranean exchange,
-
The future of the Facility for EuroMediterranean Investment and Partnership
(FEMIP),
- Support for SMEs,
-U
fM projects - assessment and vision for
the future,
- Euro-Mediterranean transport networks.
Euro-Mediterranean Assembly 21 - 22 May 2010 Istanbul
The Committee on improving quality of life, exchanges
between civil societies and culture
Ioannis KASOULIDES MEP was the Coordinator of the EPP
Group for this Committee during this legislative period.
Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU MEP managed to have
essential amendments inserted including on the subject of
the EMUNI (Euro-Mediterranean University), the importance of cultural tolerance and the symbolism of Jordan.
The point that caused the most disputes was respect and
conservation of historic, cultural and religious sites. Extended discussions took place between Palestinians and
Israelis. In the end a compromise was reached, by means
of a reservation expressed by Israel.
-C
ommon history: culture and education (EMUNI and
ERASMUS MUNDUS),
- The creation of marine parks in the Mediterranean as a
means of conservation of biological diversity,
- Protection of the marine environment,
-
Waste management in the coastal regions of the
Mediterranean. The Coordinator of the EPP Group Sergio
SILVESTRIS, Vice-president of the Committee on women’s
rights, always managed to get a wide consensus on the
adoption of recommendations
-C
ombat against violence towards women in situations of
armed conflict,
- Recognition of the role of women in building peace,
-P
rotection of women in armed conflict and after conflict,
the importance of preparing a data base in European and
Euro-Mediterranean countries on crimes and violence
against women and a system of training for civil society
and ad hoc institutions,
-C
ommon sea: transport, agriculture and tourism in the
Mediterranean area,
-D
ialogue between cultures and religions: towards a
Mediterranean Charter of Values,
- Immigration and integration; dialogue between the new
generations for the development of a culture of peace,
- The Mediterranean heritage: the preservation of archaeological sites.
The Committee on women’s rights
The coordinator of the EPP Group Sergio SILVESTRIS,
Vice-president of the Committee on women’s rights, always
managed to get a wide consensus on the adoption of
recommendations.
The Committee on economic and financial affairs, social affairs
and education. Michael GAHLER MEP and Othmar KARAS
MEP, Treasurer of the EPP Group
- Combat against any form of violence towards women,
-G
ender equality and its role in drawing up legislation and
the development of practices,
- Women and literacy in the Euro-Mediterranean region,
-P
romotion of the role of the woman: her involvement in
economic life as a better means of accessing decisionmaking posts.
The ad hoc Committee on energy and the environment
The recommendations were always adopted unanimously
by the Committee and the plenary session, thanks to the
work carried out by the Members of the EPP Group.
- Solar energy in the Mediterranean,
- Water management,
- The creation of marine parks in the Mediterranean as a
means of conservation of biological diversity,
- Protection of the marine environment,
- Waste management in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY UNIT OF THE EPP GROUP - EUROMED
Paolo LICANDRO, Deputy SecretaryGeneral, «Neighbourhood and intercultural
activities policy»
[email protected]
Viviane CHAO, Assistant
[email protected]
Jorge SOUTULLO, Advisor responsible for
Mediterranean policy
[email protected]
Maria Paola DE ANGELIS, Advisor
[email protected]
Marian APOSTOL, Advisor
[email protected]
Francesco FRAPICCINI, Press advisor
[email protected]
Concetta GUASTO, Assistant
[email protected]
Laura PROIETTI, Assistant
[email protected]
Virginia MILLAN DE SILVA, Assistant
[email protected]
David STELLINI, Press advisor
[email protected]
Published by:Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) in the European Parliament
Neighbourhood Policy and Intercultural Activities Service
Address: European Parliament
60, rue Wiertz
B-1047 Brussels
Internet: www.eppgroup.eu
E-mail :
[email protected]
Copyright :
EPP Group in the European Parliament
Design and Layout: Media Process

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