EU launches strategy to support the Southern Mediterranean area

EU launches strategy to support the Southern Mediterranean area

2011-03-09 02:04:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union on Tuesday launched an ambitious strategy to support democracy and prosperity in the Southern Mediterranean area.

The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy presented the Communication on a Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean.

"The historic changes underway in the Southern Mediterranean carry the hope of more freedom, democracy, and a better life for the people in the region. It is our responsibility to rise up and support that transformation," said European Commission President Jose Barroso.

The ambitious strategy was designed to support the momentous changes in Europe's southern region. It will also be an improvement on the EU relations with the countries in the South Mediterranean area.

"The European Union has the experience and tools to help the countries in the region as they make the journey to deep democracy," said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. "Today we have agreed a comprehensive offer of practical measures to support and underpin this process of transition."

Ashton added that the EU leaders will endorse these measures on Friday's European Council summit. The strategy will be built on three key issues: the targeted support for democratic transformation and institution-building, a specific emphasis on support to civil society, and a boost for economic growth, development and job creation.

"The European Union is determined to make a qualitative leap forward in the relations with its neighbors who are willing and able to embark on the path of political and economic reforms," said President Barroso.

To this end, the European Union will refocus the substantial assistance programs available to the South Mediterranean for the period 2011-13. The EU aid is worth €4 billion ($5.56 billion) in grants.

The South Mediterranean area is need of assist due to human hardship and migratory challenges. The Commission has already made €30 million ($41.7 million) available to tackle the most pressing humanitarian needs of the displaced people.

In Tunisia, an additional EU aid package of €17 million ($23.65 million) has been prepared for immediate support for democratic transition and assistance to impoverished areas.

Italy has formally requested EU aid to address the thousands of displaced people arriving from North African countries to the southern Sicily area. The EU authorized the deployment of the Frontex joint operation HERMES 2011 to assist.

Last Thursday, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said that the cabinet approved a humanitarian mission in order to address the thousands of displaced people on the border between Tunisia and Libya.

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