(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JUNE 8 - The governments of the 43
countries of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) are currently
''not doing anything, and for this reason there is the need for
someone to do something. We are putting forth the good will and
are making small steps forward, but the means at our disposal
are limited''. These were the words of Martin Schultz, European
Parliament President and at the head of the Union for the
Mediterranean Assembly, in summing up the current situation of
the UfM today in Brussels, in reference to efforts by European
institutions and parliaments as well as the lack of political
determination on the part of the governments of the 43 countries
involved.
''The UfM will not be solely something written on paper, but
small steps will be made and small projects will be promoted,''
Schultz said, underscoring the support for the work of the UfM
secretariat by the European Commission and the European
Investment Bank as well, which already have a representative in
Barcelona. Schultz then proposed that a European Parliament
member also be sent to the Pedralbes Palace, in order to liaise
between national parliaments.
The EU Parliament President than announced the organisation of a
''large conference'' of the Union for the Mediterranean in
Marseilles. ''It will take place in the second half of 2012,''
Shultz said, ''or in the first half of 2013. The Anna Lindh
Foundation is looking after the preparations. It will be a large
forum for dialogue, since the most important thing is to
increase reciprocal awareness between the two shores of the
Mediterranean. There is a great deal of lack of awareness.''
(ANSAmed).
