"After 12 years of increasingly close cooperation, we have to put in political will, courage and determination to implement the goals that we have set out for ourselves" and "accomplish our shared ambitions of peace, prosperity and security for the region". Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for external relations and the neighbourhood policy, explained in Brussels today the goals of the ministerial meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean partners, due to take place in Lisbon on 4th and 5th November. As part of the "Barcelona process" (strengthening of EU-Mediterranean partnership) launched in 1995, the ongoing plans will be reviewed. The goals of the process include political dialogue and security, the fight against terrorism, migration, civil defense, free trade, energy, transport, the environment, education, the strengthening of women’s role in society, intercultural dialogue. "The Ministers of Foreign Affairs will discuss how to go on with the reform plan to produce effective results; in addition, they will propose further activities to be included in the code of conduct for the fight against terrorism and will review the peace process and the situation in the Middle East". (continued)
