13
Sep
2022
Watch
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – a new agenda for the Mediterranean (debate)
Madam President, I would like to begin by congratulating the honourable Member López-Istúriz on his comprehensive report. The Southern Neighbourhood is strategic for the EU: Russia's war in Ukraine is very serious, but the European Union cannot forget what is happening in the southern neighbourhood, whose complex situation also affects us. That is why, as stated in this recommendation, we must first ensure that the so-called 'new Agenda for the Mediterranean' benefits from adequate funding, Commissioner. There is also a need to continue promoting trade relations and economic exchange with these countries and to make progress in negotiating free trade agreements or modernising existing ones to cover issues such as services, investment and sustainable development; however, these countries also have to do their part and respect and comply with existing agreements: I do not find it acceptable that a country such as Algeria has blocked trade relations with Spain, in breach of the Association Agreement with the EU: the Union must not look the other way, nor has the full normalisation of Morocco's relations with Spain been achieved. The European Union, in order to ensure its credibility as an effective global player, should also demonstrate its ability to influence our neighbourhood; I have to regret that the pronouncement of these countries regarding Russia's war has been quite disappointing: They have followed a line, I was going to say of indifference, of ambiguity, far from the clear condemnations we would like from these neighbouring countries.