In the run-up to the Lisbon meeting on the "Barcelona process", the commissioner Ferrero-Waldner added that "the key factor for a partnership are people. This is why we discuss the work to be done in the areas that are relevant to the welfare of the people" who live in the Mediterranean region. Several activities have been proposed for 2008. First and foremost, the continuation of "cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including the enforcement of the code of conduct outlined in 2005, with special reference to the technical issues, such as the strengthening of international cooperation regarding criminal laws and the fight against the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes". Then, the "deregulation of the trade of services and the right of settlement", the start of "Euro-Mediterranean intercultural dialogue", further "cooperation between northern partners and southern partners to help the latter, in terms of low-level coastal areas that are endangered by climate change, early alerts, transfer of technology and empowerment". In addition, the ministers will hold some conferences on the information society, industry, trade, tourism and employment.
