Europe to share single market experience with Mediterranean countries

The European Commission agreed to facilitate the creation of a free trade area with non-member mediterranean countries by year 2010, through a program on training, technical assistance, counselling and cooperation in fields related to the internal market, customs and taxation.

These actions still need to be identified and jointly agreed upon by the European Union and its Mediterranean partners.

Actions needing funds can obtain money as part of the association agreements and other programs concluded between the European union and some South Mediterranean countries.

European commissioner for the single market explained that the proposal is meant to offer partners a consolidated economic cooperation and dialogue to build a shared prosperity area on the basis of association accords which have been concluded or which are still under negotiation. He added that the European Union is ready to share its single market experience and start an information, explanation and technical assistance process similar to the one set forth with central and eastern European countries.

The creation of a European single market has provided evidence to the advantages of lowering trade obstacles for growth, competitiveness and job creation. The European Union is proposing to discuss with partners bilateral or multilateral initiatives in order to bring norms, rules and regulations closer. This process is expected to increase the competitiveness and modernization of economies and therefore, allow for the development of exchanges with the EU and increase regional cooperation between Mediterranean countries.

The proposal covers mainly customs, taxes, the free movement of goods, state projects, intellectual property copyrights, financial services, audits and accounting.