“20th Anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration. Challenges to opportunities: a common development agenda for the Mediterranean”

The geopolitical situation currently prevailing in the Mediterranean region is difficult and complex, notably due to the emergence of a new strategic equation raising fears about a new outbreak of violence. In this troubled context, Morocco, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has been engaged in a democratic process, based on an inclusive approach that he leads with faith and determination.

The Mediterranean indeed retains a triple vocation of being an intercultural reference, an area for exchange, and a communication channel. However, if twenty years after the Barcelona Declaration, the principles of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership are still valid and relevant, despite some progress made by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), a stable and prosperous area has yet to be achieved due to the unsuitability of certain instruments and profound political changes in the Mediterranean region. Given this situation, the establishment of a genuine European Neighbourhood Policy with a clearly articulated contractual political and economic framework, along with resources to match the legitimate expectations and priorities of the European neighborhood partners, are now more necessary than ever.