Underneath The Med Union
July 14th, 2008 - Chris MarshallThe Med Union comprising 43 nations has just been launched. Building up on the 1995 Barcelona Process* the 43 nations, which include the original 27 of the Barcelona Process along with countries in the Middle East and North Africa that form the Mediterranean Sea’s eastern and southern rim have pledged to:
“pursue a mutually and effectively verifiable Middle East Zone free of weapons of mass destruction”
Among the objectives of the Union:
- An ambition to build a common future based on the full respect of democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms
- Determination to eradicate terrorism and to combat its sponsors
- Creation of a free trade area in the Euromed region by 2010 and beyond and the promotion of all-round regional economic integration
- Promoting orderly managed legal migration and fighting illegal migration.
Now I am a natural cynic when it comes to government(s) and my initial reaction was along the lines of “great ….. another talking shop” but looking at the initial projects that they have established I have to admit that they all look like they are founded on common sense to me:
- De-pollution of the Mediterranean: Cleaning up sea water and coastal areas
- Sea and land “highways”: Developing port infrastructure, coastal motorways, modernising the trans-Maghreb train, co-operation in maritime safety
- Civil protection: Joint efforts to prevent and respond to natural and man-made disasters
- Alternative energy: Exploring the feasibility of a “Mediterranean Solar Plan” to develop solar power as a key energy source, along with other green energy sources
- Higher education: Establishing a Euro-Mediterranean University, based in Slovenia, promoting academic mobility and partnerships among member states’ universities
- Mediterranean business initiative: Providing technical and financial help for small and medium-sized companies, using voluntary contributions from member states.
An initiative that I will try and keep an eye on!
* 1995 Barcelona Process
The Barcelona Process, launched by Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers in November 1995, formed an innovative alliance based on the principles of joint ownership, dialogue and co-operation. It brings together the 27 Members of the European Union and 12 Southern Mediterranean states.
The Barcelona Declaration outlines the main objectives of the partnership: to build together an area of peace, security and shared prosperity. Progress towards this end is to be achieved by activities in the political area, the economic/financial area and the cultural/social sector.
About Almerimar
Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar
Almerimar is a great place to live as an expat amongst the expats, or to work amongst the Spanish. There are all kinds of properties including villas, apartments and town houses for rent or sale. It is a very traditional part of Spain, with traditional Spanish foods so if you plan to travel to Spain either to look for jobs, for your company to trade with companies in Spain, or to learn Spanish and enjoy the Spanish weather then come and take a look.
If you are interested in purchasing a property in Almerimar please visit our sponsors Mediterraspain. If you have purchased a property and need it furnished please check out our Sponsors DBJ who will give you a Exclusive 5% discount with the code AL2008.
If you want to learn Spanish, get help with anything to do with the legal issues in Spain, or want WiFi access in the marina please check out our sponsor CentrePoint who will give you a 10% discount off all services with the code AL2008.
If you want an amazing activity based day out in the mountains and to learn how to ride a motorcycle off road then check out our sponsor The Long Way Round and get 5% off with the code AL2008.
Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.
