Union for the Mediterranean

The Council adopted draft EU guidelines and a proposal for the 2010 work programme of the Union for the Mediterranean.

Subject to confirmation by the Permanent Representatives Committee, the Council is invited to adopt the draft EU guidelines.

The draft guidelines and proposed work programme cover the following issues:

·        Political and security dialogue: proposed initiatives and objectives for 2010 include: (i) regular review of the political situation in the region; (ii) implementation of the Code of Conduct on countering terrorism; (iii) deepening of the dialogue on European Security and Defence Policy and crisis management.

·        Economic and Financial Partnership: initiatives are proposed in the areas of the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area; energy; treansport; water; tourism; agriculture.

·        Social, Human and Cultural Cooperation: proposed initiatives and objectives for 2010 have been laid down in the following areas: employment and social dimension; health; education; research; the role of women in society.

·        Justice, Freedom and Security: the implementation of the regional Programme on Justice and Home Affairs should continue in 2010. Preparation of the third phase of the Programme on Justice and Home Affairs (Euromed Migration III, Euromed Justice III and Euromed Police III) has already started to ensure proper continuation of the cooperation in these fields from 2011.

·        Statutes of the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean: under the leadership of its Secretary General, the Secretariat should gradually establish it self in 2010 as a key player in the Union for the Mediterranean in the promotion of regional and transnational projects.