Joint Declaration
Moncloa Palace, 27 November 2013
The President of the French Republic and the President of the Spanish Government, following the Spain-France Summit held in Madrid on 27 November 2013, have adopted the following joint declaration:
Growth, competitiveness and employment
Spain and France are firmly committed to promoting all those initiatives necessary to return the EU to the path of economic growth and job creation.
They share the hope for the economic recovery and return to growth of the EU and the Eurozone, while modest, to be maintained and strengthened. They point to a strengthening of confidence in our economies, as highlighted by the European Commission.
They reaffirm the importance of national reforms geared towards improving the competitiveness of our economies, as well as the measures that seek to return the public accounts to a sustainable level. Spain and France have implemented far- reaching reforms and intend to continue down this path to re-establish business activity and create jobs.
With the aim of complementing efforts being made at a national level, France and Spain call on the European institutions to undertake European initiatives that help contribute to the recovery, facilitating access to credit to those economic agents that are suffering the greatest difficulties in obtaining finance, such as SMEs, and supporting responses to the problems of unemployment, particularly youth unemployment.
Spain and France aim to build a true Economic and Monetary Union, that provides stability and prosperity to our citizens. We wish to once again provide the Eurozone with a new ambition to become a space for growth and employment based on integration and solidarity.
To build this space, we must move forward simultaneously on all fronts:
- Banking Union
Spain and France underline that the fragmentation of the financial markets and the difficulties of small- and medium-sized enterprises in obtaining credit, combined with the vicious circle of bank debt-sovereign debt, constitutes one of the main short-term challenges that the Economic and Monetary Union must tackle. Consequently they welcome the first signs of progress achieved and jointly reaffirm the urgency of implementing the Banking Union in accordance with the schedule established to that end. This Banking Union must be based on three main pillars: a single supervisory mechanism, a single resolution mechanism, including a single resolution fund, fuelled by the banking sector and supported by a credible „backstop‟, and a common deposit guarantee scheme. It is also essential that the direct recapitalisation of the banks by the European Stability Mechanism is subject to a final agreement before the year is out.
Spain and France welcome the recent entry into force of the single supervisory mechanism. They hope that the review of the quality of assets and the stress tests, to be performed in 2014, will be transparent, ambitious, credible and coherent.
Prior to the publication of the results of these tests, it is essential that the necessary mechanisms to guarantee potential losses (backstops), both at a national and at a European level, are fully operational, with the aim of avoiding speculation as regards the capacity of entities in difficulty to receive support at a national and European level.
As regards the European Single Resolution Mechanism, we must comply with the mandate from the European Council last October and reach an agreement at a Council level on the Commission‟s legislative proposal in December.
We similarly hope to reach an agreement with the European Parliament by the end of the year on the directive for the bailout and resolution of credit institutions and on the directive on deposit guarantees.
- the convergence and coordination of economic policies
Spain and France support the aim of improving the coordination of economic policies. This process must be carried out in accordance with a clear and legitimate division of European and national responsibilities.
A framework for the convergence of economies in relation to competitiveness, employment, strengthening potential growth, the effectiveness and development of social systems and fiscal harmonisation in the Eurozone, must be defined. With this same spirit, Spain and France share the same conviction that strengthening social dialogue must constitute a priority at a European level.
- financial capacity of the Eurozone
In parallel with greater coordination of economic policies, Spain and France consider it essential to establish the true financial capacity of the Eurozone to finance policies and make investments that foster growth and job creation. As a medium-term objective, an integrated budgetary instrument will be devised to enable asymmetrical shocks in the Eurozone to be absorbed.
- democratic legitimacy and governance
Spain and France wish to strengthen governance in the Eurozone to make it more effective and legitimate. They principally propose that Eurozone summits be held more frequently, that a President‟s Office of the Eurogroup is established on a full- time basis, and that structures specifically engaged in work relating to the Eurozone within the European Parliament are created.
Youth employment
Spain and France declare their firm intention to continue working on the creation of jobs for young people, as well as to employ the European instruments designed to combat youth unemployment, including the Youth Employment Initiative. They have undertaken to implement the Youth Guarantee by the end of the year. They also undertake to promote the actions necessary to offer a greater number and better quality professional opportunities for young people, through measures geared towards fostering apprenticeships and work-related training, better insertion in the labour market, new hirings and a business spirit, and an improvement in the employability of one of the groups of the population most affected by the economic crisis in terms of employment.
France and Spain underline the importance of ensuring the funds for the Youth Employment Initiative are released as from the beginning of 2014. We invite the European Commission and Council to take this into account to avoid a negative impact due to an increase in costs related to this Initiative within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Posting of workers
France and Spain seek to improve the control of the rules and strengthen their capacity to act to combat the evasion of rules, abuses and fraud in matters of postings with the aim of ensuring a strict respect for the criteria of social protection.
The two countries hope that an agreement can be reached in December on the Directive for Posting of Workers aimed at ensuring full respect for regulations and fair competition. In this context, France and Spain hope that joint and several liability on the part of the parent company and their sub-contractors is established in each Member State of the European Union, in the event of abuse or fraud, at least in the construction sector – a sector particularly affected by the evasion of regulations. Furthermore, within the framework of this directive, the two countries advocate the need to strengthen the possibility of the cross-border enforcement of fines and administrative sanctions.
Financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises
Small- and medium-sized enterprises perform a vital role in the European economy, both in terms of added value and in terms of employment. For that reason, it is important that European economic growth supports the existence of suitable channels for the financing of SMEs, which should not be unjustly penalised in gaining access to financing due to factors outside of the considerations applied to these companies.
Spain and France, aware of this fragmentation of the European markets that our small- and medium-sized enterprises are suffering from, acknowledge the efforts made to date. The use of the structural funds to guarantee the financial instruments should result in increased support offered to SMEs charged to these funds. The agreement reached by the European Parliament is a step forward in this respect. Similarly, they underline the importance of a counter-cyclical role as proposed by the European Investment Bank in accordance with the objectives of the European Growth and Employment Pact, and call for the capacities of the European Investment Fund to be strengthened.
Industry
Spain and France consider the industrial sector to be strategic. Our countries aim to increase the gross added value of the industrial sector in the EU and its weighting of GDP, placing industry at the heart of other EU policies, with a commitment to industry that generates qualified jobs with a high technological and competitive level in the international markets to help contribute towards the necessary economic growth.
In this respect, they hope that an ambitious industrial agenda for Europe will be adopted with a roadmap to drive the real economy at the European Council in February.
They consider that it is necessary to improve conditions to facilitate investments in R&D+i and in new technologies, with a particular focus on SMEs. To that end, they consider it essential to work on improving financing conditions and the access to credit by companies, through the convergence of conditions between the different EU Member States.
Furthermore, European regulations on matters of competition and State aid should be the object of real improvements to tackle global competition. These should be accompanied by the implementation of the effective supervision of subsidies realised outside of the EU to guarantee that European companies are not penalised in relation to their international competitors.
Our two countries consider that it is important for climate change and environmental policies, as well ambitious sustainability objectives, to allow the development of European industry, taking into account the conditions for companies in third countries.
Energy prices deserve special attention. Spain and France seek to contribute to strengthening the European energy policy based on the security of supply, environmental protection and competitiveness, underlining the need to reduce differences in competitiveness between Europe and advanced economies due to the difference in energy prices. They consider it equally important to foster energy efficiency, which constitutes an important tool in reducing costs for our companies.
Spain and France will collaborate within the scope of space programmes of common interest for the two countries, and in particular in the matter of launchers, Ariane 6 and the Space Surveillance and Tracking programme.
Digital economy
Spain and France welcome the conclusions reached at the European Council on 24 and 25 October geared towards completing the single digital market and confirm their commitment to maintaining a wide base of production in this sector within Europe, which will constitute, more than ever, the cornerstone of a return to competitiveness and future growth.
They underlined that the implementation of an effective single digital market must guarantee an open and non-discriminatory digital environment for citizens and users, as well as for companies, in particular, innovative SMEs. Interoperability among the principal platforms for digital services and applications is important to guarantee a digital space open to services and enhance the emergence of European players at a global level.
Trade policy
Spain and France consider that trade policy must contribute towards growth and job creation, fostering the opening up of markets in third countries in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and to the benefit of European companies.
They consider it essential to strengthen the multilateral trade system based on the WTO and hope that the 9th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Bali will be a success, in particular, that an agreement is reached on facilitating trade that benefits exporters from all countries, that European decisions are upheld, in particular, within the framework of the common agricultural policy, and that it responds to the challenges facing the organisation in the future. At a European level, it is important to maintain and consolidate mercantile defence instruments which, while respecting WTO rules, allow unfair practices in international trade to be effectively combated.
Finally, special attention should be paid to trade relations with third countries and to free trade agreements, their impact should be assessed and the different conditions on competition should be examined, seeking reciprocity and respect for the regulations required.
Union for the Mediterranean
Spain and France reiterate their commitment to the Union for the Mediterranean as the sole joint forum for dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and the member countries of the Southern Neighbourhood. The two countries welcome the boost from the co-presidencies and the Secretary-General, which have enabled the Union for the Mediterranean to be re-launched and place the launch of specific and structural projects capable of linking the two shores of the Mediterranean at the centre of the actions of the latter. Our governments agree to pursue the joint work to make the Union for the Mediterranean a more effective organisation at the service of its Member States and to prepare projects aimed, in particular, at young people, employment, vocational training and food and nutrition security.
On another note, our two countries have studied the implementation of the Water Strategy in the Western Mediterranean, launched by Spain and Algeria within the framework of the 5+5 Dialogue. The aim of this new initiative of preventive diplomacy is to foster the sustainable use of this resource in the Mediterranean basin, establishing cross-cutting objectives that enable water policies in the Mediterranean to be harmonised.
Vilnius Summit and Eastern Association of the European Union
Spain and France acknowledge the importance of the Eastern Association, which constitutes the best framework for presenting an ambitious association offer with our neighbours to the east, based on mutual interests and on common principles and values that underpin democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. In this context, Spain and France regret the decision adopted by the Government of Ukraine to suspend the process for the preparation of the Association Agreement. They consider that this agreement offers the best path to be followed for relations between the European Union and Ukraine. The European Union remains disposed to maintain these relations in this direction.
We welcome the fact that at the Vilnius Summit, which starts tomorrow, the association agreements with Georgia and Moldova will be signed, which will decisively contribute towards support the efforts at transformation and modernisation of the economies of those countries to their own benefit, but also to that of the European Union and other strategic partners.
Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
Spain and France are developing intense bilateral cooperation in support of the new European dynamics and welcome the reactivation of the Franco-Spanish Defence and Security Council (Spanish acronym: CFEDS), which met on 16 September. This body has fostered a rapprochement of our operational capacities in areas of common interest, particularly in the Mediterranean, the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa. The CFEDS has also enabled us to evaluate the similarity of our positions as regards the European Council in December. Taking into account the progress made, our two countries express their interest in the CFEDS continuing to meet regularly.
The Governments of Spain and France want the European Council in December 2013 to contribute a decisive boost to the Common Security and Defence Policy, in such a way that Europe can assume the role it deserves on the global stage. This European Council must constitute the starting point in a process which, through the adoption of ambitious and specific actions, whose application must be regularly supervised, including at the level of Heads of State and Government, provides the European Union with the capacity and the industrial and technological base to enable it to tackle current risks and threats and contribute towards international stability.
As decisive contributors to the operational side of the European measures for the defence of the Sahel (and the Horn of Africa), Spain and France urge the European Union to recognise the Sahel region and the Sahara as a priority area for their security interests and adopt an action plan on matters of border management. Our two countries welcome the success of the EUTM mission to Mali, support the renewal of its mandate and the extension of this to training activities, and urge the EU to deploy a civil training and advisory mission in support of the domestic Malian security forces. Furthermore, in light of the success of the EU Operations Centre in the Horn of Africa, we would encourage the European powers to take the appropriate measures to extend their sphere of action in the Sahel region.
Spain and France also support the reinforcement of the EUBAM mission in Libya, under the scope of the CSDP, to control the borders, which must focus on the problems of the maritime borders and the southern borders and base its actions within a regional framework, in relation to other European initiatives, in particular the EUCAP Sahel-Niger mission.
Along the lines of the impetus given following the CFEDS meeting, Spain and France call on the conclusion of the EU Maritime Security Strategy to be approved by the summer of 2014. Our two countries would like to see the options for its application, in close contact with the Member States, by the end of 2014, in the Gulf of Guinea, by way of example.
With the aim of strengthening European strategic autonomy, Spain and France will continue to take part in European structural development projects, especially within the framework of the European Defence Agency, particularly the in-flight refuelling system and the adoption of a European solution for the next generation of unmanned surveillance aircraft. France welcomes the European aim of joining the European Air Transport Command, which both countries consider to be a crucial achievement in the process of joint European action.
Finally, Spain and France support the European initiatives aimed at consolidating the European defence industry which must play a crucial role in innovation and in generating job creation. These initiatives enable EU funds earmarked for dual technologies to be increased, the fabric of defence SMEs to be strengthened, mechanisms for VAT exemptions to help foster common capacity-building to be applied and the opening up of a European debate, with the participation of all interested parties, in the definition of the parameters of the industrial and technological basis of European defence.
European border policy
Spain and France underline the importance of controlling migratory flows and of the fight against illegal immigration, particularly in the Mediterranean. This is one of the shared responsibilities of the EU, but without encroaching on national powers. Both States have highlighted preventative action as a priority, in partnership with the main countries of origin and of transit of the illegal immigrants, as well as the fight against the networks that deal in human trafficking.
Spain and France consider that the FRONTEX Agency should focus its actions on safeguarding borders, and on actively collaborating with third countries in order to avoid the loss of human lives at sea.
The two countries also agree on the Mobility Associations, the Re-admission Agreements and the maintenance of an intense migratory dialogue including periodic meetings of the Rabat Process and the 5+5 Dialogue, as well as the „Seahorse Mediterráneo‟ project. They underline the suitability of stepping up the Regional Protection Programmes in said countries.
Spain and France intend to propose, within the framework of the Mediterranean Task Force, specific and effective operational measures to avoid further tragedies and fight against the illegal migratory flows in the Mediterranean.
Upcoming elections to the European Parliament
The year 2014 will be decisive, since the main EU institutions will undergo renewal processes. Following the elections to the European Parliament in May 2014, we must elect a new College of Commissioners, a new President of the Commission, and a new President of the European Council.
In this context, Spain and France recall the importance of having strong institutions, with democratic legitimacy, that are capable of driving common initiatives and policies that boost economic growth, competitiveness and employment in Europe.
We call for participation and request that the electoral debate be focused on ideas and proposals for the coming legislature, placing special emphasis on the key role of the EU in overcoming the economic crisis and in improving the standard of living of European citizens.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
HOME AFFAIRS
Spain and France underlined their full agreement on home affairs matters, on the coordination of their positions at bilateral, European and regional forums, and on the establishment of operational commitments that aim to adopt specific results and which are periodically reviewed.
Our two countries particularly underline the fight against ETA terrorism as an extraordinary and unique example around the world of bilateral cooperation. Both States share the objectives and policies in relation to ETA terrorism and its eradication.
Spain and France share the same analysis in relation to the fight against international terrorism, and have the same interest in combating this threat, which is constantly evolving in its manifestations and in its method of action. Both States declare, within the framework of this fight, that they take into consideration the new phenomena of terrorists that return from conflict zones and solitary terrorists. Spain and France highlight that the agreement signed by their respective Ministers for Justice on 30 September 2013, regarding the exchange of information (particularly of a probative nature) is the start of a new phase of cooperation between our two countries in the fight against this type of terrorist organisation.
Within the framework of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, the G6, regional forums and the Ministerial Conference of Western Mediterranean Home Affairs Ministers (Spanish acronym: CIMO) and the G4, both countries undertake to maintain close coordination with the aim of strengthening operational measures in the fight against terrorism, the exchange of information and the sharing of best practices.
Spain and France highlight that this coordination involves tightening up and updating EU legislation on countering terrorism to adapt the EU‟s response to the changes in the terrorist phenomenon.
Our two governments confirm their interest in further strengthening their cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. To that end, Spain and France have drafted a 3-year action plan to combat drug trafficking, one year after it was originally signed at the Paris bilateral summit on 10 October 2012. The highly satisfactory results obtained have led to the ambitious objective of eliminating drug trafficking within a period of three years by means of exerting strong operational pressure on the networks and channels for the supply of drugs.
The Spanish and French Governments have assessed the operation and the results of the G4, set up a year ago with Morocco and Portugal, principally to combat drug trafficking, but also to combat terrorism and illegal immigration, as well as to promote police cooperation among the four countries. They highlight the significant operational results obtained within this framework, and confirm that the second ministerial meeting of the G4 will take place in January 2014.
At a European level, our two countries express their satisfaction at the smooth operation of the „Bogota Platform‟, led by Spain and set up on 13 March 2013 to combat drug trafficking between the Andean Region and Europe, and welcome the encouraging results obtained on the matter of the exchange of operational information.
Spain and France work in close collaboration on issues related to the fight against illegal immigration and the development of European action in this area.
As regards police cooperation, Spain and France have proceeded to evaluate the operation of the four Police and Customs Cooperation Centres, in particular the one located in Le Perthus-Junquera, which has now been operating for ten years.
Finally, in the field of civil protection, the two governments express their satisfaction at the smooth development of the CURIEX exercise – a simulation of a nuclear accident with the preventative evacuation of the population - which was held in Caceres on 5-7 November 2013. Similarly, they welcome the positive results obtained in the exercise organised in Lyon on 12-13 June 2013 – a simulation of a terrorist attack with the material NRBC. They highlight that two main exercises are performed each year on matters of civil protection at a European level.
INFRAESTRUCTURES
Spain and France welcome the implementation of new international services between Spain and France as from 15 December, following the completion of the high-speed line between Barcelona and Figueras, which completes the high-speed connection Madrid-Barcelona-Figueras-French border. They also acknowledge the efforts made by all parties involved in achieving this target, including the railway companies - Renfe and SNCF, the railway infrastructure managers – ADIF and RFF, and the national railway safety authorities.
This is an historic milestone in interconnection between the two countries that extends our excellent relations as neighbours, brings Spanish and French citizens even closer together and facilitates the exchange of goods and services, thus opening a new perspective for the Mediterranean section of the high-speed railway axis in South-west Europe, and thus contributing to drive the economic development of the border regions of the two countries and from these two countries together to the rest of Europe.
Spain and France highlight that such progress is the result of hard work, effort and the inspiration of both citizens and companies from both countries and clearly shows the importance of continuing to take steps forward so that trans-Pyrenean transport connections are enhanced in the short and medium term.
Within this same framework, in 2013 Spain has made significant progress in the project to implement UIC gauge from Castellbisbal (Barcelona) to Valencia and Alicante. This year, the works on the whole route to Valencia have been put out to tender with the aim of them being completed by 2015. Similarly, Spain is working towards the works to Alicante, Murcia and Cartagena being completed by the year 2016.
In France, the Mediterranean axis is marked by the start of the works on the Nimes and Montpellier railway bypass, which is expected to enter into service in 2017, while the project design for the new line between Montpellier and Perpignan is progressing well.
The two countries also welcome the positive progress made on the Atlantic section of this axis. Hence, works are continuing to progress on Spanish soil of the “Basque Y” and the works that will enable the mixed gauge on the conventional line to the border to be implemented. Similarly, in 2013, work has been performed on drafting the studies for the new line between Astigarraga and the French border, which will be subjected to public consultation in line with the schedule set for the informative studies of the French section.
On French soil, the perspective for the new line between Bordeaux and the border has been confirmed. The Bordeaux-Dax section of this new line will be subject to public consultation in the first half of 2014, prior to its declaration of public interest, with the aim of putting it into service by 2027. The second phase will be formed of a new line between Dax and the Spanish border with the aim of putting it into service no later than 2032.
The two countries agree to continue improving safety conditions on the Trans- Pyrenean road connections, which are particularly sensitive to adverse meteorological conditions, such as the Pau-Somport-Zaragoza axis, without this resulting in increased capacity.
Furthermore, they recall the importance of establishing new railway and maritime links with the aim of extending the development of a system of sustainable, safe transportation that respects the environment.
To that end, Spain and France reaffirm their interest in continuing the preliminary study programmes relating to the new large capacity Trans-Pyrenean railway axis implemented by the TGC-Pirineos European Economic Interest Group comprising the infrastructure managers of the two countries – ADIF and RFF – and they welcome the progress made this year with the completion of the Goods Flow Study and the tender, in the month of October, of the Territorial Analysis for the new line.
They also recognise the importance of making progress on the project study on the reopening of the Pau-Canfranc railway line and will propose to the Regional Government of Aragon and the Regional Government of Aquitania that a meeting be held of the four-party work group in the first quarter of 2014.
As regards the new maritime links, and taking into account the success of the motorway of the sea between Gijon and Nantes-St Nazaire, opened in 2010, which has captured a significant volume of traffic and has now become a viable alternative to road transport to connect the two ports and their spheres of influence, Spain and France welcome the progress being made for the opening of a second motorway of the sea on the Atlantic Coast between Vigo and Nantes-St Nazaire, with possible connections to Le Havre and Algeciras, maintaining the port of Vigo as the starting point of the motorway of the sea in Spain.
Furthermore, the favourable decision of the Franco-Spanish Inter-governmental Committee on Motorways of the Sea, at its meeting on 22 November in Paris, on the implementation and operation by the Suardiaz Group of this motorway of the sea represents a very positive step forward in this project, as acknowledged by both States. In light of this progress, they urge the parties involved to implement this new motorway of the sea as soon as possible.
The Spanish and French ministers also express their maximum interest in the motorway of the sea project, presented under the name "Atlántica" to the latest round of the Marco Polo Programme, being selected and approved such that it finally obtains the State aid authorisation from the European Commission.
ENERGY
Fully committed to the integration of the European energy market, Spain and France agree to provide the maximum support to the development of their energy interconnections, which will allow them to considerably increase their exchanges and strengthen security in the supply to the region.
Spain and France welcome the progress made on the construction works on the high voltage power line between Baixas (France) and Santa Llogaia (Spain), the start up of which, forecast for the first half of 2015, will increase the capacity of Exchange between our two countries to 2,800 MW and will thereby contribute towards improving the security of the electricity grids in our countries and to developing, to the maximum, the integration of renewable energies.
Spain and France welcome the close cooperation in the area of gas, and the progress made on the extension works to the capacity of the gas pipelines in Navarre and the Basque Country which will enable, by 2015, our capacity for the exchange of gas to be 3 times higher than the figure for 2010.
They have also opted to enhance cooperation in the area of gas exchanges, particularly in the winter months.
They welcome the inclusion of the underwater electricity interconnection project in the Gulf of Gascony, with the aim of reaching an electricity interconnection capacity of 4,000 MW by 2022, following a decision that could be taken in 2014, and the Spain-France gas interconnection project (MIDCAT) on the European list of projects of common interest, and request that the operators continue to supervise the market conditions prior to implementing this project.
The two countries reiterate their interest in increasing their interconnection capacities and in conditioning their implementation to the economic-financial support of the European Union through adequate financial contributions, and the adequate concession of the resources provided for under the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, which created the “Connect Europe” mechanism, thus contributing to the attainment of the main objectives established by the European Council for the functioning of the internal energy market.
EDUCATION
Spain and France highlight the importance of vocational training as a key element in the socio-economic development and progress of society, as well as for improving the employability of young people and their preparation for joining the labour market. Our two countries welcome the signing, today, by their ministries of education, of an agreement to commit to cooperation by our two countries in this field.
Once again they declare their interest in promoting quality education and vocational training systems that facilitate the transition from education to employment and respond to the needs of the different sectors of the economy, both for the present and for the future.
Spain and France highlight the importance of the involvement of companies in the training process and the mobility of both students and teachers. A key factor for guaranteeing the best insertion of students in the labour market and making vocational training more attractive is through cooperation by the different parties involved.
Our two countries underline the smooth running of the „bachibac‟ joint education programme, which, for the last 4 years, has allowed secondary education students from both our countries to obtain the secondary education title from the other country. Collaboration between the participant centres will enable joint experiences in matters of the training and mobility of students and teachers, fundamental conditions for improving the mutual knowledge of the two countries.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Spain and France welcome the intensity and quality of collaboration in the field of higher education and research. They undertake to continue and improve their support for the mobility of students and researchers from both countries and, to that end, will proceed to assess the need for the agreement on the recognition of higher education diplomas and degrees signed in Gerona in 2006 to be updated. Furthermore, they reiterate their commitment to programmes that allow for the establishment, between higher education centres in both countries, of structured cooperation for the issue of joint titles, particularly for master‟s degrees and doctorates.
In the field of science, Spain and France will continue with their regular consultations on their respective policies on research and innovation, and will support the organisation of joint seminars, particularly between multi-issue research alliances with the aim of promoting the joint participation of Spanish and French stakeholders in the new „Horizon 2020‟ European Union programme. Spain and France reiterate, on another note, their joint commitment to the Euro- Mediterranean scientific cooperation initiatives, such as the programme based on Article 185 of the European Union Treaty and the continuation of the 5+5 Dialogue in the area of higher education and research.
SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY
Our governments undertake to continue promoting the social and solidarity economy – an entrepreneurial system that has shown its capacity to create and maintain jobs during the economic crisis, which create stable, quality jobs, without secondments, and which are a source of opportunities for the most vulnerable groups and those at risk of social exclusion, thus making this economy a priority factor of social cohesion. The Declaration of Intent to cooperate on the social and solidarity economy on the occasion of this summit is a first step in this respect, which will allow bilateral exchanges to be stepped up within the legal and public policy frameworks.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Spain and France recall that equality between men and women is an essential condition for achieving objectives in matters of sustainable growth, employment, competitiveness and social cohesion. In this respect, we would welcome a new impetus to be given to the application of the „Barcelona objectives‟ in Europe, in order to create widespread structures of foster care for minors of a very young age, and take cognisance of the link shown between the offer of nursery services and the access of parents to remunerated employment.
Our two countries are also mobilised in the fight against gender-based stereotypes and violence against women, by enacting legislation and innovative systems to protect victims. They agree to develop exchanges of good practices in this respect.
ENVIRONMENT
Negotiations in the fight against climate change
Spain and France welcome the achievements made at the 19th Conference of the Parties within the Framework-Convention of the United Nations on Climate Change (COP19) and at the 9th meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) that recently took place in Warsaw, the decisions of which are the first step in making progress on the future negotiations that will enable a binding global agreement to be reached in Paris in 2015.
Our two countries agree on underlining the ambition that unites them and that should be the ambition of the whole of the European Union. They express their interest in reaching an ambitious European position at the European Council in March 2014.
Spain and France are committed to working together to reach the objective of a real strengthening of the multilateral system in the fight against climate change at the COP21 meeting in Paris in 2015, particularly highlighting, in this cooperation, Spain‟s offer to take advantage of its relations with Ibero-American countries within the framework of the Ibero-American network of climate change offices (Spanish acronym: RIOCC), to play an important role as an intermediary and a bridge to this part of the world.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Global and multilateral affairs
Spain and France reiterate their commitment to collaborating at a multilateral level, given the convergence of its interests and its interest in cooperating in the main international organisations and multilateral forums.
The Spanish delegation presented the French delegation with a report and a project of steps to be taken relating to the Spanish-Moroccan initiative for mediation in the Mediterranean, within the framework of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation, which aims to re-launch mediation as an instrument for preventative diplomacy at all levels in a region that is considered to be of priority interest for both Spain and France.
Spain and France reiterate their joint commitment to the universal abolition of the death penalty and welcome the successes of the 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty, organised in Madrid in June 2013. Our countries undertake to continue cooperating on this issue, within the framework of the United Nations, regional organisations, and at a bilateral level in collaboration with civil society.
The Sahel
In 2012, Mali suffered one of the most serious crises in its history. The speed and well coordinated international response, led by France, with the active and ongoing support of Spain, and the various resolutions taken on the matter by the United Nations Security Council and regional bodies, such as ECOWAS, have enabled the foundations to be laid for the re-establishment of unity and stability in the country and its return to a constitutional democracy. Our countries consider that this return to stability is an opportunity for reconciliation in the process of re-founding the State of Mali, whilst providing the conditions for lasting economic development in the country.
Against this backdrop, which remains fragile, Spain and France will continue to support the efforts of the State of Mali. Our countries recall that this crisis is also a Sahel crisis, as is reiterated by the joint European missions on security and defence policy.
Central African Republic (CAR)
Spain and France express their grave concern at the disintegration of the situation in the Central African Republic, both in terms of security and of human rights, in light of the serious violations that are taken place daily, and from a humanitarian point of view.
Our two countries welcome the initiatives taken by the African Union, in coordination with the sub-region of Central Africa, to resolve the threatening chaos as soon as possible. Spain and France particularly underline their support for MISCA, the African force whose deployment has to contribute towards re- establishing security.
Spain and France underline their common interest in raising the awareness of the European Union to jointly contribute to its mobilisation in the interest of peace in the CAR and better living conditions for those people who have been hard hit by the conflict.
The Maghreb
The Spanish and French Governments are paying close heed to the events unfolding in North Africa, a priority region for both countries. They consider that the process of political transition towards democracy, which commenced in the Maghreb in 2011, has not yet been completed, and that there are still numerous challenges to be faced in the region.
Spain and France encourage the political forces in Tunisia to continue with their efforts to preserve national dialogue. They also remain seriously concerned by the deterioration of security in Libya, which constitutes a threat to the democratisation processes as a whole.
Spain and France welcome, on the other hand, the reform projects implemented by the Governments of Morocco and Algeria, and welcome the results obtained on matters of Mediterranean cooperation, in particular, the 1st 5+5 Economic Forum organised in Barcelona.
Syria
Spain and France have expressed their deep concern over the humanitarian crisis deriving from the consequences of the Syrian crisis. Both governments welcome the approval of UN Security Council Resolution 2118 on the dismantling of the Syrian Government‟s chemical weapons arsenal, although the main challenge remains the search for a political solution to bring the conflict to an end.
Our two countries consider it essential for the Geneva II Conference to be held as soon as possible and that it concludes with the formation of a transitional government endowed with full executive powers, including the control of the armed forces and law enforcement, together with the intelligence services.
Spain and France reiterate their support for the Syrian opposition coalition and urge it to step up its efforts at cohesion and unity, which will give it a position of leadership in the opposition delegation at the Geneva II Conference.
They condemn the indiscriminate attacks on civilians, which hinder the possibilities of reaching a peaceful solution, and ask all parties, in particular the Syrian Government, to stop the violence and facilitate immediate access to humanitarian aid to the population in need of it.
Middle East peace process
Spain and France welcome the determination of the Palestinian and Israeli leaders, Messrs. Abbas and Netanyahu, following the resumption of negotiations. Both countries confirm their full support for the efforts being made to reach a definitive peaceful solution within a period of 9 months, as well as their firm commitment to a two-State solution. They reiterate their condemnation of any unilateral action that could prejudice the negotiations under way, in particular the latest announcements of the building of settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Iran
Spain and France welcome the conclusion of a temporary agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue in Geneva, which constitutes an important step towards obtaining guarantees of the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran‟s nuclear programme. We will remain watchful (nb. the agreement is for 6 months, renewable) as to the full and total implementation of the agreement, which will require great determination from the parties in order for progress to derive therefrom that leads to a definitive diplomatic solution in favour of regional stability and security.
BILATERAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION
The two governments take note, with great interest, of the proposals from the Presidents of the Movement of Enterprises of France (Spanish acronym: MEDEF), Pierre Gattaz, and the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (Spanish acronym: CEOE), Joan Rosell, regarding strengthening trade cooperation between the two countries.