The EU will provide 6,000 million to democratization in Africa. Brussels proposes new relationship

[JanDutchy]

Source: Elpais.com

Wave of change in the Arab world - the European position
The EU will provide 6,000 million to democratization in Africa
Brussels proposes a new relationship to enhance basic rights
RICARDO MARTÍNEZ DE rituerto - Brussels - 09/03/2011

Morally forced to make Atonement for his proven connivance with authoritarian and corrupt regimes of southern Mediterranean, the European Union intends to give a new democratic approach to the relationship with those neighbors. The instrument will be a partnership for democracy and the shared prosperity approved yesterday by the Commission and glosada by José Manuel Durão Barroso as a catalyst for the democratic transformation of the region. The plan, with 6,000 million euros at stake, will be discussed Friday by European leaders, who expected that they affect the conditionality of support: aid will be related to the strength of the advances in human rights and democracy.


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A big step forward. (EU isn't Mao)

[ashling]

1. How much is earmarked for democratization of

the United States of America?

[JanDutchy]

2. That's the question

In my opinion Obama could do better.


But he is much, much, more better than the Bushes: so self-providing and abuse people as product.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pampango]

4. The Union of the Mediterranean - EU, North Africa and Middle East.

http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/mediterranean-test-for-europe-1.773936

"Europe's security depends on regional stability. Of course, the pace of democratic transition in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere must be determined by each country. But Europe, acting respectfully, can help shape a regional order through an ambitious new development and stability pact, based on three pillars: substantial (and visible) economic assistance; political partnership; and social inclusion.

How do we develop this pact? First, Europe needs to step in to promote growth. This means improving the European Union's neighbourhood policy. Resources for this must be increased in future EU budgets, and made commensurate to the strategic value of this area. Existing resources should be better allocated to programmes that stimulate growth and create jobs.

Next, the Union for the Mediterranean (UM), which first saw the light of day over two years ago, must accelerate the implementation of its planned projects. Too much time has been lost setting up the institutions of this new union, a 43-member body incorporating the 27 EU states and 16 Balkan, north African and Middle Eastern partners. This plan must mobilise a critical mass of new European and international financial resources, in the order of billions of euros, to modernise the economies of the region and improve investment. The removal of trade and economic barriers between Mediterranean countries should also be a priority.

The EU, in the meantime, should deepen its relations with countries in the region by considering granting all of them "enhanced status" of association. This entails progressive integration into the EU's internal market, participation in a number of EU programmes and regular summits between the EU and Mediterranean countries. Change in the Mediterranean is a test for Europe. But it is also an opportunity for European and Mediterranean countries to work together in the interests of all."

I do like the recognition that one's own security and prosperity depends on that of neighbors in the region. Coupled with a willingness (which remains to be proven) to spend billion of euros to fund Mediterranean development, there could be an interesting future for Mediterranean countries.