Barcelona Process

The glossary is being updated given the recent signing of the Treaty of Lisbon.

The Barcelona Process, also known as the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, constitutes the policy of the European Union towards the Mediterranean countries. Its purpose is to strengthen the links between the Union and the partner countries, whilst encouraging closer ties among the Mediterranean countries themselves.

The objective of the Partnership launched in 1995 following the Barcelona Declaration is to promote peace and stability in the region by establishing a political dialogue that respects the partners' shared values, such as democracy and the rule of law. Further aims are to promote the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as prosperity, particularly through the creation of a free-trade area, and to develop cooperation.

In this context, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership brings together the Member States of the Union and the Mediterranean countries under a large-scale programme with three strands: a political and security strand, an economic and financial strand and a social and cultural strand. Strengthening cooperation in the fields of justice, migration and social inclusion is also an important element of the Process.

The Partnership is put into effect both bilaterally and regionally. The bilateral arrangements are tailored to the individual partner country, an important aspect being the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements. The Process is also supported by Community funding, the MEDA programme and the European Investment Bank's Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP).

See:

• Neighbourhood Policy