Civil society contribution to the Union for the Mediterranean

The Euromed Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions will gather representatives of organised civil society of the 27 Member States of the EU and the 16 partner countries of the Union for the Mediterranean.

A large number of Egyptian civil society organisations will participate as well as representatives from the European institutions and international organisations. Over two days, discussions will be held on the Union for the Mediterranean, and the EESC Euromed Follow-up Committee will propose that its partners create an association of economic and social councils and similar institutions with a view to becoming a consultative body of the Union for the Mediterranean. The economic and social impact of the financial crisis on the Euromed region will also be discussed and specific proposals will be made on the establishment of a knowledge-based economy, in order to help the Euromed region to become more competitive.

The Summit will also discuss the effects of climate change on the region. An information report that has been drawn up jointly on “Climate Change and the Mediterranean: environmental and energy challenges” (rapporteur Edgardo Iozia, Group II, Employees, Italy) will be presented at the Summit. "2009 may be remembered as the pivotal year in the fight against climate change. Cooperation in the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean will hopefully contribute to tangible developments in this aspect", Mr Iozia said.

During the Summit, recommendations will be discussed to be presented to the Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Conference to be held on 24-25 November 2009 in Istanbul.