Buzek and Amrani Discuss the Union for the Mediterranean

Buzek and Amrani Discuss the Union for the Mediterranean

Strasbourg-The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, and the Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Youssef Amrani, met on November 16 in Strasbourg to discuss the added value that the UfM can bring to a changing region. At a time the Arab Spring has profoundly changed, the geopolitical situation in the southern Mediterranean, the EU seeks to adapt its neighborhood policy to the changing needs of countries witnessing democratic transition. In its resolution of May 20, 2011, the European Parliament has estimated that under the new Financial Perspectives 2014-2020, the EU must significantly increase its contributions to UfM projects.

At the end of their meeting, Mr. Buzek and M. Amrani commented the following:

“The UfM can play an integral role in strengthening the cooperation and integration in the Mediterranean region. In addition, it can support the under-going political and economic transition through molding its projects to serve the needs of citizens in the Mediterranean. Clearly the priorities are focused on job creation and local sustainable development”

Mr. Amrani also reiterated that the UfM Secretariat will continue to work closely with the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM; in this regard it is important to encourage greater participation of local elected representatives, the civil society and young people with projects targeting the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

Buzek stated: “People in the Mediterranean expect concrete effective answers. As democratically elected representatives, parliamentarians must make draw their mark on the future direction of this partnership.” He also added that the MEPs are ready to play this role in the Parliamentary Assembly of the UfM, as we truly look forward to welcoming new Tunisian, Egyptian and Libyan colleagues, who are liberally and democratically elected.”