Suchergebnisse

It is no coincidence that the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miguel Angel Moratinos, is unanimously considered one of the most competent diplomats in Europe. This incomparable expert in the Israel-Palestine conflict (he was the EU's Middle East representative for seven years) is also one of the architects of the Ibero-American Community, whose aim is to bring Spain & Latin America closer together. Moratinos is also a close observer of North Africa (and enthusiastically supports French President Nicolas Sarkozy's proposal for a Mediterranean Union), & a key player in the Alliance of Civilizations, a UN project aiming for a rapprochement between the West & the Muslim world. This faithful supporter of Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero spells out his vision of the challenges in the years to come for his country & for Europe. Those with an interest in Europe would do well to pay heed. Adapted from the source document.

Résumé Le processus de Barcelone a permis d'avancer dans le domaine des coopérations économiques et d'élargir les questions débattues entre les rives nord et sud. La démocratisation des sociétés et la sécurité régionale n'en ont par contre que peu bénéficié. Pour l'avenir, Bruxelles est prêt à proposer une association plus étroite des pays du sud-méditerranéen à l'Union. La conférence de Barcelone II, qui doit se tenir en novembre, devrait donner, à tous niveaux, un nouvel élan au partenariat.

The tenth anniversary of the Barcelona Process allows for a critical assessment of the results achieved so far. Economic cooperation has been rather satisfactory, but the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership has been less successful in promoting democratization & regional security. The political aspects of the Barcelona Process have gained recent attention in a context of renewed American activism in the region. The Europeans are now ready to propose closer association to their Southern partners, within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. Moratinos, who was among the founding fathers of the Partnership, explains why the Barcelona II Summit taking place in November should give new impetus to the whole process. Adapted from the source document.