European Union agrees on assistance to south Mediterranean countries program

Foreign ministers of the fifteen member countries of the European Union reached on Monday a political program on mechanisms of the MEDA II program, which regulates assistance to south Mediterranean countries.

French foreign minister, Hubert Vedrine, who chaired the meeting, said member countries still need to agree on the amount to be earmarked to MEDA II program. He expressed hope that an agreement will be reached before the ministerial meeting on Euro-Mediterranean partnership slated for next November in Marseille (French southern port city).

In the face of numerous criticism of slow decision-making process and low funds, the European commission has proposed to ease the decision-making procedures, a better selection of cooperation projects and an improved management of these projects. It also introduced a provision canceling the financing if it is not used within five years.

Reforming the MEDA II program is part of a larger attempt to revive the Euro-Med partnership launched 5 years ago between the European Union and the 12 south Mediterranean countries.