The Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean is kicking off on Friday, the 3rd December in Brussels, bringing together MEPs and parliamentary speakers from the 42 member countries. Here, S&D MEP Margarida Marques argues why the EU need a renewed commitment of partnership with the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean is a complex region from a political, economic, social and cultural angle. A fragmented and non-homogeneous region made of countries, but at the same time of regions that share history and geopolitical ambitions.
In the last decades, the Mediterranean region witnessed significant transformations, especially in the last decade after the Arab Spring. A strategic partnership with the European Union is imperative so that we can turn common challenges into opportunities. Such a vision of partnership encompasses the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms through the establishment of democratic institutions and the guarantee of the rule of law. These are key factors to ensure lasting stability and sustainable development throughout the whole region.
Margarida Marques, S&D Coordinator of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.
