30/04/2010 Session
On the basis of a report by Denis Badré (France, ALDE), which takes stock of existing Euro-Mediterranean relations at both European Union and Council of Europe level, the Assembly takes the view that the Council should strengthen its contribution to the Euro-Mediterranean partnership process. It is not for the Organisation to compete with the actions of the Union for the Mediterranean by setting up parallel structures, but to complement it by adding the dimension relating to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the transversal issue of gender equality. At the same time, PACE recommends that the Council of Europe intensify its bilateral co-operation in its spheres of activity with any Mediterranean countries which so desire.
PACE also wishes to contribute to the development of the parliamentary dimension of Euro-Mediterranean relations. In this context, it strongly encourages the national parliaments of the non-member states of the Council of Europe taking part in the Union for the Mediterranean to apply for the new "partner for democracy" status which it has created, and which opens up new prospects for dialogue and co-operation. The Moroccan Parliament is the first to request this status.