Key agreements in Euromed summit
Here are key points agreed to on Monday at a summit in Barcelona of the European Union’s 25 member states with 10 Mediterranean-rim countries.
Terror
The 35 countries agreed to a code of conduct, which starts by declaring that they are “united in the struggle against terrorism”, the threat of which “remains serious”.
Concretely, they agreed to exchange intelligence, seek to cut off terrorists’ funding and arms supplies, and help one another prepare for and manage the consequences of any attacks.
They also broached the root causes of terrorism, pledging to “do all we can to resolve conflict, end occupation, confront oppression, reduce poverty, promote good governance and human right, improve intercultural understanding and ensure respect for all religions”.
Immigration
A series of measures were agreed upon in the context of a five-year work programme, which covers increasing political cooperation and social and educational exchanges.
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Leaders in Barcelona initially |
The summit agreed to “promote legal migration opportunities … recognising that these constitute an opportunity for economic growth and a means of improving links between countries”.
They pledged to “reduce significantly the level of illegal migration, trafficking in human beings and loss of life through hazardous sea and border crossings”.
Expanding relations
The 35 countries pledged “their renewed commitment to the objective of achieving a common area of peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean region through ongoing dialogue, exchange and cooperation”.
They called for a “rapid and full implementation” of the EU-backed “roadmap” for Mideast peace leading to “the fulfilment of the vision of two states, a safe and secure Israel and a viable, sovereign, contiguous, democratic Palestine, living side by side in peace and security”.
They reiterated the aim of the original 1995 Barcelona Declaration, of creating a Euro-Mediterranean free trade area by 2010.