natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
59. zastává názor, že vzhledem k nedostatkům barcelonského procesu v minulosti je více než kdy jindy základní podmínkou pro úspěch partnerství politická vůle a pragmatická vize;
Takes the view that, given the past shortcomings of the Barcelona Process, political will and a pragmatic vision are more than ever a fundamental condition for a successful outcome to the Partnership;
62. pověřuje svého předsedu, aby předal toto usnesení nadcházejícímu mimořádnému setkání na vysoké úrovni, Radě, Komisi, vládám a parlamentům členských států EU a partnerských zemí účastnících se barcelonského procesu a Evropsko-středomořskému parlamentnímu shromáždění.
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the forthcoming Extraordinary High Level Meeting, the Council, the Commission, the governments and national parliaments of the Member States and partner countries participating in the Barcelona Process and the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.
The Barcelona Process revisited: a timely and necessary assessment of the Partnership
The Barcelona Process revisited: a timely and necessary assessment of the Partnership
On 28 November 2005, the Barcelona Process will be ten years old.
On 28 November 2005, the Barcelona Process will be ten years old.
Along with the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (hereafter EMP), which stemmed from it in the mid-nineties together with its financial instrument, the MEDA Programme, the launching of the Barcelona Process marked a turning-point in relations between the European Union and its southern neighbours and was intended as a framework for a concerted and mutually supportive development of the Mediterranean countries.
Along with the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (hereafter EMP), which stemmed from it in the mid-nineties together with its financial instrument, the MEDA Programme, the launching of the Barcelona Process marked a turning-point in relations between the European Union and its southern neighbours and was intended as a framework for a concerted and mutually supportive development of the Mediterranean countries.
Apart from being a sound method of promoting EU interests in its most immediate neighbourhood, the motivations and objectives that prevailed in 1995 when the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership was launched were on the one hand core EU/universal ones (the full promotion of human dignity in a common environment of peace and shared prosperity) and in part more specific ones (driven by the political context, the main priority being the establishing of political stability in an area where conflicts and political gridlock had been looming or raging for decades).
Apart from being a sound method of promoting EU interests in its most immediate neighbourhood, the motivations and objectives that prevailed in 1995 when the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership was launched were on the one hand core EU/universal ones (the full promotion of human dignity in a common environment of peace and shared prosperity) and in part more specific ones (driven by the political context, the main priority being the establishing of political stability in an area where conflicts and political gridlock had been looming or raging for decades).
Ten years later, although the fundamental principles and values underlying the Barcelona Process remain truly valid, a certain number of regional and international parameters have changed, be it the 2004 enlargement of the EU and its new neighbourhood in the East, the candidate-member status of Turkey, the fallback into violence in the Middle East, the Iraq crisis, or the wide-ranging outbreak of terrorism and its impact on societies.
Ten years later, although the fundamental principles and values underlying the Barcelona Process remain truly valid, a certain number of regional and international parameters have changed, be it the 2004 enlargement of the EU and its new neighbourhood in the East, the candidate-member status of Turkey, the fallback into violence in the Middle East, the Iraq crisis, or the wide-ranging outbreak of terrorism and its impact on societies.
The Barcelona Declaration remains still valid in its essence, but its implementation definitely needs to be adjusted and enhanced in order to enable the EMP to face present challenges and to adapt to a modified regional and international environment.
The Barcelona Declaration remains still valid in its essence, but its implementation definitely needs to be adjusted and enhanced in order to enable the EMP to face present challenges and to adapt to a modified regional and international environment.
By its very nature, the Barcelona Process constitutes a unique political project, combining bilateral and regional levels of political, economic and social dialogue as well as opportunities of interaction, bridges and confidence-building among peoples.
By its very nature, the Barcelona Process constitutes a unique political project, combining bilateral and regional levels of political, economic and social dialogue as well as opportunities of interaction, bridges and confidence-building among peoples.
Therefore the overall philosophy of the project is an acquis in itself that ought to be preserved and whose political potential needs to be further enhanced and more result-oriented.
Therefore the overall philosophy of the project is an acquis in itself that ought to be preserved and whose political potential needs to be further enhanced and more result-oriented.
However, and without minimising the successes since the inception of the project, it is legitimate, in the light of several notable shortcomings and even failures, to raise the point as to whether in practice - and even in scope to some extent - the process should not undergo in-depth review.
However, and without minimising the successes since the inception of the project, it is legitimate, in the light of several notable shortcomings and even failures, to raise the point as to whether in practice - and even in scope to some extent - the process should not undergo in-depth review.
In a nutshell:
In a nutshell:
- What about redefining priorities with a view to generating a new impetus, including when dealing with core objectives of the Barcelona Process?
- What about redefining priorities with a view to generating a new impetus, including when dealing with core objectives of the Barcelona Process?
- What about reviewing today the level of these ambitions and even slightly downsizing their scope and outlook in order to be assured that more modest goals can be reached?
- What about reviewing today the level of these ambitions and even slightly downsizing their scope and outlook in order to be assured that more modest goals can be reached?
- How can the right balance be found between vision and concrete steps towards the genuine creation of a multilateral regional community of states and peoples based on shared democratic values, a climate of trust and a common political and human project?
- How can the right balance be found between vision and concrete steps towards the genuine creation of a multilateral regional community of states and peoples based on shared democratic values, a climate of trust and a common political and human project?
Challenges faced, tackled and imperfectly met
Challenges faced, tackled and imperfectly met
The Barcelona Declaration set out medium and long-term goals to be achieved.
The Barcelona Declaration set out medium and long-term goals to be achieved.
It remains the cornerstone of the Partnership and is even more relevant today than ever.
It remains the cornerstone of the Partnership and is even more relevant today than ever.
Indeed, its vast potential is far from being exhausted and the Declaration sets the objectives for many years to come.
Indeed, its vast potential is far from being exhausted and the Declaration sets the objectives for many years to come.
As the process was designed to produce results over the long haul and given the absence of reliable indicators and evaluation mechanisms, it is yet difficult to assess the political aspects of the Partnership.
As the process was designed to produce results over the long haul and given the absence of reliable indicators and evaluation mechanisms, it is yet difficult to assess the political aspects of the Partnership.
A useful exercise is nevertheless the overall comparison of original goals with reality.
A useful exercise is nevertheless the overall comparison of original goals with reality.
Regional political dialogue
Regional political dialogue
One of the key successes of EMP resides in providing the Mediterranean Partners with various intertwined regular and consistent forums for political dialogue at ministerial, parliamentary, business community and civil society levels, especially between the actors involved in the Middle East Peace Process.
One of the key successes of EMP resides in providing the Mediterranean Partners with various intertwined regular and consistent forums for political dialogue at ministerial, parliamentary, business community and civil society levels, especially between the actors involved in the Middle East Peace Process.
A very positive achievement in this context is the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) and its successful first plenary session held in Cairo from March 12-15, 2005.
A very positive achievement in this context is the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) and its successful first plenary session held in Cairo from March 12-15, 2005.
Although progress was made, mainly in recognising the Palestinian Authority as an equal Partner, neither did the Barcelona Process have a decisive positive impact on solving any of the major lasting conflicts in the region (Israeli-Arab, Western Sahara, Cyprus) -quite on the reverse, the persistence of such conflicts acted in turn negatively on the Process-, nor did it manage to convince all the partner countries to engage into an effective dialogue.
Although progress was made, mainly in recognising the Palestinian Authority as an equal Partner, neither did the Barcelona Process have a decisive positive impact on solving any of the major lasting conflicts in the region (Israeli-Arab, Western Sahara, Cyprus) -quite on the reverse, the persistence of such conflicts acted in turn negatively on the Process-, nor did it manage to convince all the partner countries to engage into an effective dialogue.
Regional economic integration and trade
Regional economic integration and trade
As a major trading partner of every country in the region (the EU accounts for almost 50% of goods traded compared to 13% for the US), the EU actively supported regional economic integration and the promotion of free trade in the Mediterranean.
As a major trading partner of every country in the region (the EU accounts for almost 50% of goods traded compared to 13% for the US), the EU actively supported regional economic integration and the promotion of free trade in the Mediterranean.
Bilateral Association Agreements between the EU and the partner countries of the EMP were concluded, except for Syria, with whom negotiations have been concluded and whose Agreement still awaits signature (as well as the assent of the European Parliament).
Bilateral Association Agreements between the EU and the partner countries of the EMP were concluded, except for Syria, with whom negotiations have been concluded and whose Agreement still awaits signature (as well as the assent of the European Parliament).
In the South-South trade dimension, the most significant development was the signing in February 2004 of the Agadir Free Trade Agreement between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.
In the South-South trade dimension, the most significant development was the signing in February 2004 of the Agadir Free Trade Agreement between Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.
Other Free Trade Agreements have been concluded in 2004, notably between Turkey and Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia, Turkey and Palestinian Authority, which all witnesses to the progress in regional integration in the Mediterranean region.
Other Free Trade Agreements have been concluded in 2004, notably between Turkey and Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia, Turkey and Palestinian Authority, which all witnesses to the progress in regional integration in the Mediterranean region.
However, on the overall, progress in the liberalisation process of trade has been slow in important areas (services and agricultural products) and most notably, intra-regional trade in the Southern Mediterranean is currently below 15% of the total.
However, on the overall, progress in the liberalisation process of trade has been slow in important areas (services and agricultural products) and most notably, intra-regional trade in the Southern Mediterranean is currently below 15% of the total.
With the launching of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the conclusion of bilateral action plans with most of the Mediterranean Partner Countries, a new impetus is given to reach the objective of further regional ties and integration.
With the launching of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the conclusion of bilateral action plans with most of the Mediterranean Partner Countries, a new impetus is given to reach the objective of further regional ties and integration.
The establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Free-trade area has a target date of 2010.
The establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Free-trade area has a target date of 2010.
Once completed, it should cover some 40 states and around 700 million consumers.
Once completed, it should cover some 40 states and around 700 million consumers.
Thanks to the association agreements, a tariff-free free trade zone with the earliest signatories should be completed in a few years time, while for others the full completion of tariff dismantling will be achieved on a longer term.
Thanks to the association agreements, a tariff-free free trade zone with the earliest signatories should be completed in a few years time, while for others the full completion of tariff dismantling will be achieved on a longer term.
Human Rights and Democracy
Human Rights and Democracy
The EU is actively committed to promoting democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region, both in cooperation with governments of partner countries as well as with non-state actors and civil societies.
The EU is actively committed to promoting democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region, both in cooperation with governments of partner countries as well as with non-state actors and civil societies.
In that respect, several Euro-Mediterranean partner countries benefit for instance from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), a community programme which funds projects in the areas of electoral assistance and observation missions, gender equality, protection of women rights, media, etc.
In that respect, several Euro-Mediterranean partner countries benefit for instance from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), a community programme which funds projects in the areas of electoral assistance and observation missions, gender equality, protection of women rights, media, etc.
It is a unique instrument for the reason that it can operate without the consent of the host government.
It is a unique instrument for the reason that it can operate without the consent of the host government.
As a matter of fact, the complementary use of official and civil society channels are by far the most efficient way of action in the area, since it allows to trigger reform in difficult matters on the one hand without generating frontal opposition and mistrust on the other.
As a matter of fact, the complementary use of official and civil society channels are by far the most efficient way of action in the area, since it allows to trigger reform in difficult matters on the one hand without generating frontal opposition and mistrust on the other.
Additional policy actions in this field have already been negotiated bilaterally under the European Neighbourhood Policy and its first generation of bilateral action plans.
Additional policy actions in this field have already been negotiated bilaterally under the European Neighbourhood Policy and its first generation of bilateral action plans.
However, results primarily depend on a genuine want for reform on the side of partner countries and societies.
However, results primarily depend on a genuine want for reform on the side of partner countries and societies.
So far, reforms in political and administrative structures have materialised in a few countries only, and democratic convergence has fallen short of expectations.
So far, reforms in political and administrative structures have materialised in a few countries only, and democratic convergence has fallen short of expectations.
There has been some progress concerning the respect for human rights, but much remains to be done.
There has been some progress concerning the respect for human rights, but much remains to be done.
While overall press freedom tends to improve, the legal and regulatory framework for the practice of activities by civil society did generally not improve.
While overall press freedom tends to improve, the legal and regulatory framework for the practice of activities by civil society did generally not improve.
Moreover, the fight against terrorism in the aftermath of September 11 also led to setbacks and restrictions on civil liberties.
Moreover, the fight against terrorism in the aftermath of September 11 also led to setbacks and restrictions on civil liberties.
This makes regular and concerted institutional monitoring even more of a necessity.
This makes regular and concerted institutional monitoring even more of a necessity.
Society and gender issues
Society and gender issues
Gender equality and the improvement of the situation of women in economic, social and political life was a constant priority in the context of the Barcelona Process.
Gender equality and the improvement of the situation of women in economic, social and political life was a constant priority in the context of the Barcelona Process.
Governments in partner countries started to tackle gender disparities, as evidenced in several countries by the progressive rising of school enrolment rates as well as women’s participation in the labour market.
Governments in partner countries started to tackle gender disparities, as evidenced in several countries by the progressive rising of school enrolment rates as well as women’s participation in the labour market.
The main instruments available to civil society are the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Forums, which articulate and consolidate the co-operation of civil society actors in the Euro-Mediterranean area and strengthen the EuroMed networks.
The main instruments available to civil society are the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Forums, which articulate and consolidate the co-operation of civil society actors in the Euro-Mediterranean area and strengthen the EuroMed networks.
Awareness of the partnership among civil society has progressed and has led to the setting up of a non-governmental Euromed Platform at the Civil Forum in Luxembourg in April 2005, providing a better interface with the official activities of the Partnership in the future.
Awareness of the partnership among civil society has progressed and has led to the setting up of a non-governmental Euromed Platform at the Civil Forum in Luxembourg in April 2005, providing a better interface with the official activities of the Partnership in the future.
Human development indicators show progress over the past ten years.
Human development indicators show progress over the past ten years.
Health conditions have broadly improved in the region, with significant improvements for child health and overall life expectancy.
Health conditions have broadly improved in the region, with significant improvements for child health and overall life expectancy.
Most countries made progress in access to water and sanitation.
Most countries made progress in access to water and sanitation.
However, the most important indicator, income per capita, shows increased divergence between the EU and the partner countries -and even among the partner countries themselves-, as economic growth rates in the latter remain rather low.
However, the most important indicator, income per capita, shows increased divergence between the EU and the partner countries -and even among the partner countries themselves-, as economic growth rates in the latter remain rather low.
Barcelona re-found: renewed priorities in an adjusted framework
Barcelona re-found: renewed priorities in an adjusted framework
On 12 April 2005, the European Commission unveiled a wide-ranging work programme to reinforce the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership over the next five years.
On 12 April 2005, the European Commission unveiled a wide-ranging work programme to reinforce the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership over the next five years.
The Commission outlined proposals for concrete progress in three areas critical for the future of the region: Education and vocational training, Sustainable Economic Growth, Human Rights and Democracy.
The Commission outlined proposals for concrete progress in three areas critical for the future of the region: Education and vocational training, Sustainable Economic Growth, Human Rights and Democracy.
In addition to these priority areas, the work programme also covers social reforms, environment, migration issues, weapons of mass destruction and counter-terrorism.
In addition to these priority areas, the work programme also covers social reforms, environment, migration issues, weapons of mass destruction and counter-terrorism.
Within this framework, special focus is given to:
Within this framework, special focus is to be given to:
- Education: Increasing the quality of education for all, and ensuring a more equitable access is a central objective of the work plan.
- Education: Increasing the quality of education for all, and ensuring a more equitable access is a central objective of the work plan.
The latest annual Arab Human Development Reports have as well stressed the need for substantial improvements in education systems and delivering.
The latest annual Arab Human Development Reports have as well stressed the need for substantial improvements in education systems and delivering.
- Economic Growth and Reform: The Barcelona Declaration set the target of creating a Free Trade Agreement by 2010.
- Economic Growth and Reform: The Barcelona Declaration set the target of creating a Free Trade Agreement by 2010.
With only five years to go, action is needed to make a reality of that ambition.
With only five years to go, action is needed to make a reality of that ambition.
In parallel, south-south regional integration needs to be considerably increased.
In parallel, south-south regional integration needs to be considerably increased.
- Human Rights and Democracy: Political reform is the key to achieving sustainable security and stability.
- Human Rights and Democracy: Political reform is the key to achieving sustainable security and stability.
The EU must be seeking a new focus within the Euro-Med partnership on issues such as protection of human rights, empowerment of women, strengthening of democracy, pluralism and independent judiciaries.
The EU must be seeking a new focus within the Euro-Med partnership on issues such as protection of human rights, empowerment of women, strengthening of democracy, pluralism and independent judiciaries.
2. má za to, že tato konference musí přinést konkrétní výsledky, zejména pokud jde o financování infrastruktur, usnadnění mikrofinancování a opatření směřující k podpoře hospodářské transformace;
Takes the view that the conference must produce tangible results, particularly in terms of infrastructure financing, a micro-finance facility and measures designed to support economic transition;