Framework of political, economic and social relations between EU and partner countries.

1. The Protection of the Mediterranean from land-based pollutionStakeholders meetingAthens 10-11 October 2005The initiative of the European Commission for the de-pollution of the MediterraneanGeorge StrongylisEuropean Commission

2. Euro-Mediterranean Process (“Barcelona Process”) • Framework of political, economic and social relations between EU and partner countries. • Launched in 1995 (10th Anniversary in 2005) • Association Agreements with each country - Environment covered under ‘Economic Cooperation’ • Financial support until 2006 through MEDA

3. European Neighbourhood Policy • Builds on Barcelona Process • Action Plans for each country • Jointly defined agenda • Short and Medium Term Priorities • From 2007 European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI) replaces MEDA. • Finance in support of action plans • Budget of EU for 2007 – 2013 under discussion

4. Main Environmental Links • EU environmental policies and measures • Water • Water Framework Directive • EU Water Initiative • Marine Thematic Strategy • Waste management and Industrial Pollution • Experience of implementation to share • Barcelona Convention • EC is party hence part of EU body of law • Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development

5. Barcelona Process 10th Anniversary • Summit planned for 27-28 November - Barcelona • Should endorse work programme to re-orientate actions in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership • Opportunity for high level support in partner countries outside of environment ministries • Proposals include environmental target: ‘De-pollute the Mediterranean by 2020’ • Re-focus EU attention on long-standing objective of reducing pollution • Will draw upon Commission experience with other initiatives in other regions i.e. DABLAS • Links depollution efforts to EU political framework and financial tools

6. Expected contribution of the initiative • November Summit asked to agree the principle • EU added value • Raise wider political profile (beyond environment ministries) • Use experience in EU and other regions • Structure for EU/Partner dialogue at relatively high levels of government • Refocus attention on long-standing issue of de-pollution • Proposals used to justify future EU finance including subsidised EIB loans • Work programme to be prepared in 2006 for a decision by Euro-Med Council

7. Outline of suggested approach for the initiative • Draw together existing work – no duplication • Open to all who can contribute • Focus on limited number of sectors at first: industrial emissions and municipal waste and wastewater treatment • Runs in parallel to development of strategic approaches (MSSD, environmental integration into other sectors of ENP etc.) • Project based Not too prescriptive at this stage

8. PHASE 1 First phase – Identification • Draw on existing work and institutions • Focus at this stage on environmental concerns 1. Identify pollution problems along with concept for a solution 2. Group by sectors (water, waste etc.) 3. Appoint lead organisation

9. PHASE 2 Second Phase – Prioritisation • Bring in financial institutions • Identify priority projects that may realistically be financed through international assistance or own funds.

10. PHASE 3 Third Phase – Project development, implementation and evaluation • Project preparation • Monitor progress in development and implementation, • Evaluate results; and, • Give political profile to actions

11. Issues for discussion  Who are the key contributors?  How can SMAP/MAP contacts help? What obstacles to environmental investment have you faced and how can they be overcome? How to raise awareness beyond environmental circles?