European Council highlights the need to promote synergies with the Union for the Mediterranean

The European Council discussed on 7-8 February a number of questions including issues related to the Southern Mediterranean partners, and stressed on the fully engagement of the EU to establish a common area of shared prosperity, closer political association and progressive economic integration.

“It is also necessary to explore further ways to enhance the political dialogue, including dialogue at the highest level, with those countries in transition towards democracy, and to promote synergies with regional initiatives such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the 5+5 Dialogue. The EU will also support efforts towards more regional integration. The European Council welcomes the communication on supporting closer cooperation and regional integration in the Maghreb”, read the conclusions approved by the European Council in Brussels.

The Council conclusions also underlined that the reinforcement of the partnership between the EU and the Southern Mediterranean countries requires the long term commitment of both sides.