Jerome Cassiers: EU-Syria Partnership tangible contributions; linked social and economic interests
Syria-European Union, Politics, 1/31/2003

"The Barcelona Declaration signed in 1995 provides the framework of the Partnership between EU and Syria. In Barcelona that year, 27 leaders of 12 Mediterranean States and the 15 Member States of the European Union drew the lessons of 3000 years of shared history, sometimes difficult history. They recognised a fundamental truth: in the Mediterranean, cradle of so many civilisations, peace and prosperity are indivisible among neighbors," said Jerome Cassiers, First Secretary of the Delegation of the European Commission in Syria.

"These leaders set the objective to create an area of peace, prosperity and dialogue around the Mediterranean. They laid the foundation of a Partnership that is multi-faceted, covering exchange and cooperation among people, governments, enterprises and associations in fields as varied as security, trade, economy, energy, environment education and culture," he said.

He explained that the partnership follows two complementary approaches. At the regional level, the partner countries have adopted a work program, which sets out priorities and concrete actions. Meetings are taking place nearly every week in various Mediterranean cities to improve cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields.

At the bilateral level, the partnership between the individual countries and the EU are underpinned by the conclusion of an Association Agreement with each Partner. The Association Agreement will establish a regular political dialogue between Syria and the EU aimed at a better understanding of each other's positions on important political issues. "Human rights is a key value, a universal value and an essential element of the partnership." That is why "it is essential to engage with all our partners a dialogue on human rights and democracy issues."

Creating a free trade area around the Mediterranean by 2010 is also a key objective of the Agreement. Upon signature of the Agreement, the EU will immediately open access to its market, whereas Syria will benefit of a long transition to progressively liberalise trade, unleashing the dynamism and creativity of Syrian businessmen. The Agreement will also provide a legal framework for expanding cooperation in economic, social and human fields and promote understanding between cultures and exchanges between civil societies.

The negotiations of the Association agreement between Syria and the EU started in 1998 and made good progress last year. Cassiers added that both sides are committed to see further progress at the next negotiating session scheduled in February in Damascus. The ambition is to define the areas of mutual agreement and have a clear understanding of where further discussions are needed. "If we can achieve that, we will have a clear map on what we need to do to finalise the Agreement." He indicated that in view of both side commitment to success, there should be enough impetus to conclude successfully the Association Agreement without long delay.

Concerning the EU Assistance program to Syria, Mr. Cassiers said: "We know that opening the doors of the EU market and creating a framework for free trade is not enough. Syrian operators have to seize the opportunities offered by the Association Agreement." This is why the agreement is complemented by bilateral cooperation projects which reflect the evolving needs of Syrian partners.

He said that in April 2002, the EU and the Syria signed a "National Indicative Program" of cooperation covering the period 2002- 2004. He commented that this program builds on the achievements of 24 years of cooperation. It focus on supporting the economic modernisation and reform launched by the Syrian authorities in order to strengthen Syria's participation in the EU- Mediterranean partnership and integration in the world economy. Priorities for future cooperation have been set in the areas of institutional development, industrial modernisation and human resources development. He said that to this end, nine Financing Agreements for specific projects have been concluded since 2000.

He explained that on the economic side, the priority of the program is to improve the ability of Syrian businessmen to compete on the expanding market. He stressed that the successful Syrian European Business centre is constantly assisting Syrian businesses to modernise their management and marketing practices, and put them in contact with European companies. This direct assistance is prolonged by EU support in training Syrian operators in the newly created Higher Institute for Business Administration, the upcoming program of modernisation of the Syrian system of vocational (technical) training and the support to joint projects between Syrian and European universities. "With skilled managers and technicians, Syria will have the assets to successfully participate in the market."

"Yet, he said, if Syria is to create the wealth and employment opportunities for its growing population, it also needs modern institutions that support business. This is why several of our projects focus on assisting the modernisation of public institutions and training civil servants, both in the entities responsible for infrastructure such as telecom and energy, and ministries responsible for economic policy." A 20 Million Euro facility has been put in place to provide flexible and speedy services of professionals to these ministries.

He added that in the social sector an important program has been signed in May 2002 to assist the Syrian ministry of health in its efforts of sector- wide reform. It aims at upgrading the quality of medical services, improve financial sustainability and ensure a better access of these essential services to every Syrian. "The scope of our involvement (EURO 30 Million) demonstrates the importance we attach to supporting a modernisation process that directly improves the daily life of citizens. Similarly, on January 30th we will launch a project that will address the every day needs of the Khan Esheih and Khan Danoun Palestinian Refugees and residents of surrounding Syrian villages by improving the water and sewage systems in the area."

At the cultural level, the EC delegation first secretary said the EU is currently undertaking two important projects in Syria. One is to train Syrian archaeologists working together with EU archaeological teams to uncover Syrian sites that are at the origin of universal human development and culture. The other will help make some of these sites more attractive to tourism which has a important potential for development in Syria. In addition, the EC delegation regularly organises cultural gatherings between European and Syrian artists to develop a better understanding between cultures.

The European Union provides tangible contributions to the development of Syria through a lasting and closer EU-Syria partnership, concluded Cassiers. "Why do we do that? Because in the end, your peace and prosperity is our peace and prosperity."

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