المستخلص: |
This paper aims to evaluate the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, embodied in the Barcelona Process in 1995. This partnership has many dimensions, including the economic, political, security, social, cultural and even parliamentary concerns. There have been some achievements already. But on the other hand, many weaknesses remain. The objectives expressed in the the Barcelona Declaration and subsequent agreements and declarations, are not achieved. There are still obstacles at the level of economic relations, especially regarding the development of the economies of Mediterranean countries and the establishment of a free trade zone uniting the two sides. The focus of the European side is on security and political issues, especially regarding illegal migration from the Mediterranean countries. Also there were still differences between the two sides on visions of some of the cultural and social concepts, such as the concept of human rights, There are several other structural obstacles. These obstacles require both sides to search for ways and mechanisms to overcome them, including working to preserve the gains already achieved in the framework of this partnership over the past years, and at the same time to work to avoid what appeared to activate the negative aspects of this partnership During his electoral campaign and before winning the presidential elections, President Sarkozy presented a new vision for cooperation between countries on both sides of the Mediterranean. This initiative is based on the idea of creating a union that embraces all Mediterranean countries. The European leaders adopted the "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean", project submitted by France in the summit held in Brussels March, 2008. So, this paper aims also to provide an evaluation of Sarkozy's project, and what this project means for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
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