The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (or the Barcelona Process) was established on 27-28 November 1995 in Barcelona, where the EU countries and their Mediterranean Partners adopted the Barcelona Declaration. 

Elements of the EMP

• 3 Chapters
  • Political and Security
  • Economic and Financial
  • Social, Cultural and Human Affairs
• 2 Dimensions
  • Multilateral/Regional cooperation on common issues
  • Bilateral/Based on Association Agreements
• 1  Specific financial cooperation instrument:
  • MEDA

The Barcelona Declaration

Objectives stated:

• “creating an area of dialogue, exchange and cooperation guaranteeing peace, stability and prosperity”
•  “requires a strengthening of democracy and respect for Human rights”

Human Rights Commitments in the Declaration:

• Respect of United Nations’ Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Develop the rule of law and democracy
• Respect human rights and fundamental freedom
• Protection of women’s rights
• Recognition of civil society making an essential contribution
• Respect for fundamental social rights
• Action of support for democratic institution and for strengthening of the rule of law and civil society

Full text of the Barcelona Declaration..

EMP Partner Countries

The 25 EU countries (originally 15): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
South Med: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the Palestinian National Authorities. Libya has observer status.