towards building ademocraticandac- activities in East Jerusalem and support package of€42.5million,including for The AHCLadoptsanewassistance Authority, andtheIsraeligovernment. logue between donors, the Palestinian tinian territoryandseektopromote dia- ment assistancetotheoccupiedPales- coordination mechanismfordevelop- the principal policy-leveltee (AHLC), meeting oftheAdHocLiaisonCommit- fairs Soreidehostanextraordinary and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Af- 31 –Brussels:TheHRVPMogherini Palestine bringing-the-eu-forward-in-2018/ tion-of-4th-summit-of-south-eu-states- https://europeanstudentcard.eu/declara Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)andtothe no referenceismadetotheEuropean ly the EU regional dimensionas such; Declaration does not feature prominent for AfricaandtheEU-Turkey facility. The instruments, includingtheEUTrust Fund portance of reinforcing existingfinancial System (CEAS)andhighlightstheim- reform oftheCommonEuropeanAsylum Common MigrationPolicy andurginga flows, stresses the importance of a curity andthemanagementofmigration a commonEuropeanapproachonse- Declaration callsfortheconsolidationof anniversary of the Rome Treaty. The settled lastMarch2017inRomeonthe in 2018’’ buildsupontheEUagenda laration, titled‘’BringingtheEUforward European Countries.The Summit Dec- participate inthe4thSummitofSouthern , Italy, Malta,Portugal andSpain 10 –Rome:LeadersofCyprus,France, Summit ofSouthernEuropeanCountries January Chronology Euromed Chronologies - about theUfM Urban Agendawitha in continuedeffortstoraiseawareness work oftheWorld UrbanForum(WUF9) Mediterranean Region,” intheframe- ing the New Urban Agenda in the Euro- Networking Event:“Towards implement- tariat hold in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia the 12 – Kuala Lumpur: The UfM Secre- Urbanism February sign-cooperation-arrangement_en /39186/press-release-eu-and-uae- https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ the Sahel Joint Force. nounced pledge of over €24 million to Mogherini welcomed the UAE’s an- tion intheSahelwasalsoraisedand a knowledgebasedsociety. Thesitua- nomic diversificationandshifttowards plans toboostgrowth,accelerateeco- eas accompanytheUAE’sVision2021 facilitation and research. These key ar- sues of mutual interest, notably trade ened cooperationonkeystrategicis- tion ofpoliticaldialogueandstrength- EU andtheUAEthroughanintensifica- that scalesuptherelationbetween Nahyan sign a Cooperation Arrangement eration, SheikhAbdullahbinZayedAl Foreign AffairsandInternationalCoop- and UnitedArabEmiratesMinisterof 31 –Brussels:TheHR/VPMogherini EU – United Arab Emirates relations IP-18-368_en.htm https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ providing accessto water and energy. ening thePalestiniancivilsocietyand and mediumsizedenterprises,strength- dation, reinforcing businesses and small targeted policyreforms,fiscalconsoli- countable Palestinianstatethrough services-to-one-million-egyptians.html helping-ebrd-to-bring-first-sanitation- https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/eu- to serve remote rural communities. sewage removal trucks will be procured 139 pumpingstations.Inaddition, 350 of over3,400kilometrespipes and of 10 plants as well as the installation sion ofnineunitsandtherehabilitation wastewater treatmentplants,theexpan- support theconstructionofeightnew a loan of €172 million. The funding will European InvestmentBankisproviding technical assistance. Inaddition, the of €30millionandover€7for mented byanEUgrantinvestment and Wastewater Companyiscomple- EBRD financingtotheFayoumWater where three million people live. The the EgyptiangovernorateofFayoum, and upgradeofwastewaterservicesin ment of €186million in the extension ion (EU) to blend with its own invest- million ingrantsfromtheEuropeanUn- Egyptians. TheEBRDhasreceived€38 first sanitationservicestoonemillion 15 –London: EUhelpsEBRDtobring Water https://ufmsecretariat.org/wuf9/ region. ners activeintheEuro-Mediterranean development actorsandpotentialpart- organizations andIFIs,aswellurban eral UNagenciesandotherkeypartner brought together representatives of sev the EuropeanInvestmentBank(EIB), theEuropeanCommissionand Habitat), Human Settlements Programme (UN- organized in cooperation with theUN UfM DeputySecretaryGeneral,and ing EventchairedbyAmb.IhabFahmy, an regionandbeyond.ThisNetwork urban futureintheEuro-Mediterrane- view toensuringamoresustainable - -

IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 391 Euromed Chronology Appendices IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 392 Euromed Chronology Appendices phes andoneof thelargestrefugee have sparkedhumanitariancatastro - flicts inSyria,Yemen and Libya which Sheikh Tamim referencedviolentcon - told asecurityconferenceinMunich. for peaceandprosperity,” SheikhTamim least aminimumlevelofsecurityto allow ciples andrulesofgovernance,at ing us,andagreeonbasicsecurityprin- of theregiontoforgetpast,includ- the Middle East. It is time for all nations it istimeforwiderregionalsecurityin offered fewotherdetails.“Ibelievethat countries concernedtoachievethat,but to keepupdiplomaticpressureonthe He askedtheinternationalcommunity Hamad AlThanisaidon16February. brink, Qatar’sEmirSheikhTamim bin der topulltheregionbackfrom modelled ontheEuropeanUnioninor- behind themandforgeasecuritypact ern states should put their differences curity pactforMiddleEast.East- 16 –Doha:QatarcallsforEU-stylese- Security terial-meeting_en federica-mogherini-upon-arrival-minis arks-high-representativevice-president- headquarters-homepage/59581/rem https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ ments in these weeks.” that, asyouknow, isfacingdifficultmo- to supporttheUN-ledpoliticalprocess convening poweroftheEuropeanUnion itarian support,butalsohowtousethe discussed “howtomobilizethishuman- forget.” SheconfirmedthatEUMinisters and “thisissomethingtheworldshouldn’t situation onthegroundisdeteriorating” in Sofia, the HRVP highlighted that “the talks. Speakingatapressconference efforts muststrengthenthe Geneva Mogherini explained that all diplomatic UN-led politicalprocessinGeneva.” Jordan andTurkey andsupporttothe bouring countries, namely Lebanon, Syrians, bothinsideSyriaandinneigh- and foremost,humanitariansupportto two goals, Mogherini explained: “First of Korea. TheConferencewillfocuson and theDemocraticPeople’sRepublic focused onSyria,theWestern Balkans EU ministersinSofia.Thediscussions Syria afteratwodayinformalmeetingof es asecondBrusselsConferenceon 16 –Sofia:HR/VPMogheriniannounc- Syria

them withreintegration assistancein migrants strandedinLibyaandsupport untary humanitarianreturnto15,000 as wellprovidingprotectionand vol- ing additional3,800refugeesfrom Libya, gramme aimsatprotectingandevacuat This newregionalpro- gees (UNHCR). Nations HighCommissionerforRefu- tion forMigration(IOM)andtheUnited together withtheInternationalOrganisa- This programmewill be implemented available tosupportmigrantsinLibya. additional €115millionhavebeenmade announced by an Mediterranean Route and in Ethiopia. As tion optionsinLibya,alongtheCentral provide themwith sustainable reintegra- ropean Uniontoprotectmigrantsand complement ongoingeffortsoftheEu- Fund forAfrica.Thenewprogrammes the EuropeanUnionEmergencyTrust grammes worth over €150 million under 26 – Brussels: Migration enhance-co-operation-migration-and level-au-eu-un-mission-visits-tripoli- https://reliefweb.int/report/libya/high- for internally displaced people. tention centreformigrantsandashelter other Libyanofficials,andvisitedade- of ForeignAffairsMohammedSiallaand TheymetwiththeLibyanMinister HCR). High CommissionerforRefugees(UN- Migration (IOM)andtheUnitedNations Libya, theInternationalOrganisationfor Commission, theUNSupportMissionin tion Service(EEAS)andtheEuropean sentatives oftheEuropeanExternalAc- the AfricanUnionAmiraEl-Fadil,repre- The MissionincludesCommissionerof Force inBrussels,December2017. – – Task the meetingofjointAfricanUnion The visittoLibyaisadirectfollow-up to migrationandprotectionchallenges. Libyan authoritiesinthejointresponse and tofurtherenhancecooperationwith February to take stock of progress made the UnitedNationsvisitsTripoli on22 African Union,theEuropeanUnionand 22 –Tripoli: Ahighlevelmissionofthe Migration News/idAFKCN1G01SY https://af.reuters.com/article/world ing up in Europe recent years. “ crises everwithmillionsofpeoplewash- EU adopts new pro - -

amongst EU Member States. During the amongst EUMember States.Duringthe of deepeningdefencecooperation 11 December2017withtheobjective was establishedbytheEUCouncil on mation ofPESCOtookplace. 6 MarchthefirstCouncilmeeting infor- On Structured Cooperation(PESCO). cil adoptsaroadmapforthePermanent 6 –Brussels:TheForeignAffairsCoun- PESCO March laboration-between-eu-and-egypt_en and-solar-plant-excellent-model-col egypt/40503/mats-research-facility- https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/ secure astablesupply to consumers. ergy inthe current energysystem and that canconvenientlyintegratesolaren- exploiting theappropriatetechnologies solar plantwiththegoalofidentifyingand search facilityanduniquemultipurpose funded bytheEuropeanUnion,isare- El Arab,Alexandria.MATS project,co- dynamic Solar(MATS) projectinBorg Multipurpose ApplicationsbyThermo- ber States, inaugurated on Tuesday the a numberofambassadorsEUMem- and Technology Dr.MahmoudSakr,and dent ofAcademyScientificResearch search Dr.KhalidAbdulGhaffar,Presi- of HigherEducationandScientificRe- Energy Dr.MohamedShaker,Minister with MinisterofElectricityandRenewable Egypt Ambassador Ivan Surkoš, along of the European Union Delegation to modynamic SolarprojectinEgypt.Head 28 –Alexandria:EUinauguratesTher- Energy and-support-return-and_en new-programmes-protect-migrants- and-events/delivering-commitments- https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/news- region and the Lake Chad Basin. women, intransitcountriestheSahel grants, particularlyyoungpeopleand assistance providedtovulnerablemi- lion willbededicatedtoimprovethe Faso. Anothermeasureworth€20mil- Niger, Chad,CamerounandBurkina need ofinternationalprotectionfrom tlement of more than 14,000people in Taskforce. Itwillalsosupportthereset- by theEUinframeworkofJoint their countriesoforigin,ascommitted

HR/VP Federica Mogherinimeetsin operation Arrangement.On7March, 7 –Brussels:EUandQatarsignaCo - EU – Qatar disaster-management-cooperation_en tunisia-agree-boost-civil-protection- https://ec.europa.eu/echo/news/eu-and- with Tunisia in a number of fields. part oftheEU’sincreasingcooperation Copernicus satellitesystem.Themoveis well asclosercooperationwiththeEU’s up of joint emergency response plans as efit fromtrainingforexperts,thesetting the newarrangement,Tunisia willben- EU-Tunisia PrivilegedPartnership.Under important stepinthereinforcementof The signatureofthisarrangementisan floods, andsearchrescuemissions. response onissuessuchasforestfires, disaster prevention,preparedness,and sels, outlineskeyareasofcooperationon ropean Civil Protection Forum in Brus- The document,signedatthisyear’sEu- protection anddisasterriskmanagement. ment withTunisia toboosttiesin civil mission signedanadministrativearrange- ment cooperation. The European Com boost civil protection & disaster manage- 6 - Brussels: EU and Tunisia agree to EU – Tunisia roadmap-for-pesco/ the-foreign-affairs-council-adopts-a- https://www.euromesco.net/news/ mobilize the resourcesare created. tions areprovided,andinstrumentsto sure thatresourcestomeettheexpecta- of talks, and it will be necessary to make Union ofDefence and Security after years PESCO meansthebirthofEuropean has representedahistoricalmomentas to HR/VPFedericaMogherini,thisFAC Member StatesparticipatingAccording jects aswellalistoftherespective formally adoptedthefirst17PESCOpro- of June 2018. Furthermore, Ministers to beadoptedbytheCouncilend mon setofgovernancerulesforprojects sible futureprojects,aswellacom- vides atimelineforagreementonpos- of commitments. The roadmap alsopro- tion tothesequencingoffulfilment ance, includingforprojectsandinrela- work on both processes and govern- and guidance on how to structure further ed inordertoprovidestrategicdirection FAC meeting, a roadmap has been adopt - - with €82million. Duringameetingbe- 15 –Rome:TheEUsupportsUNRWA Palestine IP-18-1723_en.htm http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ March 26intheBulgariancityof Varna. the upcomingEU-Turkey Summiton takes placeabouttwoweeksaheadof ment onthemobilizationoffunding mentioned agreement. The announce- pledged contributionsundertheafore- calls onMemberStatestohonourtheir es tocompletetheEUcommitment,and announcement, theCommissionpropos- submitted by the end of 2017. With this ber States’ contributions,whichwere the EUbudgetand€2billionfromMem from in 2016wasmadeupof€1billion et. ThefirsttrancheoftheFacilityset up mobilizing €1billionfromtheEUbudg- foreseen intheEU-Turkey Statement, of theFacilityforRefugeesinTurkey, as work forthesecondtrancheof€3billion Commission establishes the legal frame- Syrian refugees.On14March,theEU poses tomobilizeadditionalfundsfor 14 –Brussels:TheCommissionpro- Refugees a%20Cooperation%20Arrangement EU%20and%20Qatar%20sign%20 headquarters-homepage_en/40967/ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ East Peace Process, Iran and Libya. gional issues, including Syria, theMiddle counter-terrorism as well as several re- its readinesstoassist.Theyalsodiscussed diation toachieveGulfreconciliationand pean Union’ssupportfortheKuwaitime- Federica MogherinireiteratedtheEuro- velopment andresearchinnovation. mutual interest,notablyprivatesectorde- ened cooperationonsectoralareasof enhanced politicaldialogueandstrength- Arrangement willserveasbasisforan istry ofForeignAffairs.ThisCooperation ternal ActionServiceandtheQatariMin- Arrangement betweentheEuropeanEx- rahman AlThani,signedaCooperation Affairs ofQatar,MohammedbinAbdul- of Foreign Minister and Minister Prime context, theEUHR/VPandDeputy around areasofcommoninterest.Inthis tween theEuropeanUnionandQatar ways toenhancebilateralrelationsbe- Al Thani, Emirof Qatar. Theydiscussed Brussels withSheikhTamim binHamad - economic-development visits-jordan-promote-sustainable- stay-informed/news/eu-commissioner- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ and jobs. of Jordanian citizens for economic growth engagement to respond to the demands been launchedasaconcreteproofofEU tors. The External Investment Plan has can helpJordantoattractforeigninves- in Jordanandparticular,howtheEU further supporteconomicdevelopment meetings focusedonhowtheEUcan tional CooperationImadFakhoury. The and MinisterofPlanningInterna- Hassan, ForeignMinisterAymanSafadi including DeputyPrimeMinisterJafar key politicalauthoritiesofthecountry development. Johannes Hahn metwith the countryandsupportitseconomic launch the External Investment Plan with was inJordanon27and28Marchto Policy andEnlargementNegotiations missioner forEuropeanNeighbourhood ic development.JohannesHahn,Com- Jordan topromotesustainableeconom- 28 –Amman:EUCommissionervisits Sustainable economy million-contribution-unrwa_en ean-union-announces-vital-eur-82- headquarters-homepage/58840/europ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ inBrusselson20March2018. (AHLC), economy, theAdHocLiaisonCommittee tion groupin support of thePalestinian ing oftheinternationaldonorcoordina- The EUalsohosttheannualspringmeet- available throughasped-upprocedure. tribution for2018,andhasbeenmade as apartoftheEU’sregularannualcon- Today’s €82millionsupportisallocated and mostreliabledonortotheAgency. the EuropeanUnionbyfar the largest million respectivelytoUNRWA, making gether provided€424millionand€391 2017, theEUanditsMemberStatesto- ting US funding to UNRWA. In 2016 and President Trump’s announcementofcut- necessary Agencyreforms,following Agency isfacingandonmoving forward solving theacutefundingcrisis nounced. TheConferencefocuseson €82 millioninfundingtoUNRWA isan- UNRWA Ministerial Conference in Rome bühl inthemarginsofextraordinary Commissioner-General Pierre Krähen- tween HRVPMogheriniandUNRWA

IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 393 Euromed Chronology Appendices IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 394 Euromed Chronology Appendices rivals inItaly. The EuropeanCommittee proach toaddressmassmigratory ar- calls foracoordinatedEuropean ap- 10 –Rome:Anti-Torture Committee Human rights com/category/eu/ https://brusselseconomic.wordpress. pean External Investment Plan(EIP). available intheframeworkofEuro- ity of loans. The package will be made sure asufficientlevelofconcessional- to providetechnicalassistanceanden- of thecomingthreeyears(2018-2020) funding thatcouldbemobilizedineach age includesupto€50millioningrants and adoptrelevantreforms.Thispack and proposeprojectsthatarebankable country’s financialinstitutionsidentify non until 2020, on condition that the erate upto€1.5billionloansforLeba- port of Lebanon. This support can gen- an internationaldonormeetinginsup- omy attheCEDREconferenceinParis, the revitalizationofLebaneseecon- age ofupto€150millionsupport the EuropeanUnionannouncesapack in Lebanonoverthreeyears.On6April, package of €1.5 billion in investments 6 –Brussels:TheEUannouncesa Economic cooperation election%20observation%20mission Tunisia:%20EU%20deploys%20 headquarters-homepage_en/42586/ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ stitution adoptedin 2014. decentralization asforeseenintheCon- vote aspartofTunisia’s movetopolitical lined theimportanceofupcoming High RepresentativeMogheriniunder- Parliament. Launchingthemission,EU Castaldo, Member of the European ers willbeheadedbyFabioMassimo toral analystsandmorethan80observ- the country. Themissionofsevenelec- support forthedemocratictransitionof 2011, andasignoftheEU’songoing deployed bytheEUtoTunisia since is the third election observation mission May toTunisia forthelocalelections.It an electionobservationmissionon6 tion oftheauthorities,EUdeploys tion missioninTunisia. Upontheinvita- 6 -Tunis: EUdeployselectionobserva- Elections April - - apr-10_en innovation-mediterranean-area-2018- co-joins-partnership-research-and- https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/moroc the agreement in Brussels. Education andScientificResearch signed Education, Vocational Training, Higher Amzazi, Moroccan Minister of National lic ofBulgariatotheEU,andMr.Saaïd Permanent Representative of the Repub Moedas, AmbassadorDimiterTzantchev, Research, ScienceandInnovationCarlos lenges of the region. Commissioner for and foodsecurity, twoof the majorchal- developing responsestowaterscarcity shores oftheMediterraneantoworkon States andnon-EUcountriesfromboth MoroccoformallyjoinsMember PRIMA. gramme, to ensure their participation in the EU’sresearchandinnovationpro- the EUnotassociatedtoHorizon2020, agreement signed with countriesoutside isthelastinternational (PRIMA).This and InnovationintheMediterraneanArea inthePartnershipforResearch ticipation national agreementonMorocco’spar- and Moroccosignon10Aprilaninter- Mediterranean Area.TheEuropeanUnion ship forResearchandInnovationinthe 10 –Rabat:MoroccojoinsthePartner- Research and innovation dress-mass-migratory-arrivals-in-italy ordinated-european-approach-to-ad anti-torture-committee-calls-for-a-co- https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/ enon of mass migratory arrivals. support system to address the phenom a coordinatedEuropeanapproachand framework, theCPTrecallsneedfor currently presentinthecountry. Inthis refugees, asylumseekersandmigrants port tothehundredsofthousands tions andinprovidingsheltersup- tial effortsincarryingoutrescueopera- sea. Italsoacknowledgesthesubstan- regarding theinfluxofnewarrivalsby lenges facedbytheItalianauthorities CPT recognizes the significant chal- scale arrivalsfromNorthAfrica.The detention centres,inacontextoflarge- so-called “hotspots” andimmigration nationals deprivedoftheirlibertyinthe Italy toexaminethesituationofforeign report onanadhocvisitconductedin ment (CPT) publishes on 10 April a man orDegradingTreatment orPunish- for thePreventionofTorture andInhu- - -

arxiu_relacionat no95-05-08-05-14-2018/at_download/ euromed-insights-1/euromed-insights- https://www.iemed.org/publicacions/ ergy strategyatnational®ional levels. to monitor the implementation of theen- ity marketanddevelopingamechanism energy departmentinregulatingelectric- hance thecapacitiesofMo­ program with around €1.3 million to en - ment. In this context, the EU funds the ing demandwhileprotectingtheenviron- eralize accesstoenergyandmeetgrow- to ensurethesecurityofitssupplies,gen- rocco’s nationalenergystrategyseeking sources forenergy. TheEUwillbackMo- transition towardstheuseofsustainable energy sectorwhilepromoting project aims to strengthen theMoroccan the EU and Morocco is held in Rabat. The two-year long twinningprojectbetween Funding. On8May, akick-off seminarofa ergy Strategywithmorethan€1million 8 –Rabat:TheEUBacksMorocco’sEn- Energy May and-solidarity-economy funded-programme-paje-service-social- stay-informed/news/algeria-eu-co- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ activities of the SSE employers. nanced, withabudgetof€4million,the youth. Furthermore,theprogramhasfi- ment intermsofnationalpoliciesfor tion andreformsoftheAlgeriangovern- opment planofSSEtosupporttheac- helping buildasthenextnationaldevel- coming a basis for what the PAJE is carried outin2017,withtheaimofbe- generating andjob-creating sectors was well as a diagnosis of potentially job- A studyaboutthelegalframeworkas and economicdiversificationinAlgeria. as aleadingpathtowardsinnovation SSE, andtheemergenceofthislastone about thePAJE activitiesintermsof The main objectiveis to inform (PAJE). Support ProgramYouth Employment solidarity economy(SSE)isheldbythe European Union, a seminar on social and operation betweenthecountryand idarity Economy. Asaresultoftheco- Algeria intheServiceofSocialandSol- 16 – Algiers Youth Employment : EU-co-funded Program in roccan roccan the European Neighbourhood Instru- same lineandwithintheframework of mally registertheirbusinesses. In the percentage ofLibyanwomenwho for- economic growthandincreasing the effective participationinthenational quences oftheshadoweconomy, the with theaimofhighlightingconse- paign targetingfemaleentrepreneurs velopment launchesanadvocacycam- tion JusoorCenterforStudiesandDe- CSO WINSproject,theLibyanassocia- ic growth.AspartoftheEU-funded ports femalevisibilityinLibyaneconom- 14 –Brussels:EU-fundedprojectsup- Women ration-14-may-2018/ algeria-association-council-joint-decla press/press-releases/2018/05/14/eu- https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/ perity. of stability, democracyandsharedpros- with a view to achieving a common area commitment to deepening their relations Association Agreement,aswelltheir conclusions of the joint evaluation of the common PartnershipPrioritiesandthe their commitmenttoimplementthe and Algeria,theEUAlgeriarenew Association CouncilbetweentheEU 14 –Brussels:Ontheoccasionof EU – Algeria project-translogmed-transport/ https://ufmsecretariat.org/ufm-launches- Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia. logistics sectorinAlgeria,Egypt,Jordan, 1,000 professionalsofthetransportand edge-transfer programmestomorethan - providingcertifiedtrainingandknowl that isplanned toberealized in practice regional integration.Firstconcretestep ranean regionand,therefore,tofoster structure network in the EuroMediter- ficient andsustainabletransportinfra- contribute tothedevelopmentofanef- with atotalbudgetof€1.5millionisto main goalofthefiveyearperiodinitiative start oftheTransLogMED project.The for theMediterraneanannounces and Logistics,holdinEgypt,theUnion nean Conference on Maritime Transport On 9May, duringthefirstMediterra- logistics sector in theMediterranean. to improvetransportconnectivityand 9 –Alexandria:UfMlaunchesproject Transport

nancial services tothemicroandvery may playaleadingroleinproviding fi- cial RegulatoryAuthority. The company work introducedbytheEgyptian Finan- ceived alicensewithinthenew frame- international investors,whichhas re- crofinance lendinginstitution,backed by inCairo.ItisEgypt´s firstmi- launched region, on8Maywhichwasofficially medium enterprise sector in the MENA the developingofmicro,smalland EU co-foundedSANADFund,aimedto es SandahforMicrofinanceinEgypt.The 18 – Cairo:EU’sSANAD Fund launch SME’s conseil-d-association-ue-tunisie/ occasion-de-la-14eme-session-du- claration-conjointe-a-la-presse-a-l- press/press-releases/2018/05/15/de https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/ rity and the fight against terrorism. mobility andmigration;aswellsecu- rapprochement betweendifferentpeople, good governanceandhumanrights,the economic development;, on theinclusiveandsustainablesocio- orities are adopted, with strong focus million. The2018-2020PartnershipPri- the annual level of new grants to €300 the 2016JointCommunicationtoraise The EUkeepsitscommitmentmadein Khemaies JhinaouiontheTunisian side. representatives, andForeignMinister Commissioner Johannes Hahn as EU hood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations Mogherini and European Neighbour- in Brussels,gatheringHR/VPFederica sociation Counciltakesplaceon15May 15 –Brussels:The14thEU-Tunisia As- EU – Tunisia economic-growth supports-female-participation-libyan- stay-informed/news/eu-funded-project- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ Euro-Mediterranean level. social sectorsatalocal,nationaland policies inthepolitical,professionaland courage them to monitor women-related aim of asserting women’s rights anden- ability tomobilizepublicopinionwiththe local associationstostrengthentheir Facility fundedaone-minutecallingon dation, the NeighbourhoodCivil Society the Euro-MediterraneanWomen’s Foun- Institute of the Mediterranean through ment, andimplementedbytheEuropean -

Overall, the EU supports the Ministryof the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank. nerable families,mostofwhomlivein ey willbeusedtohelparound65,839 vul- payment ofsocialallowances.This mon- €15 million to the Palestinian Authority in Palestine.EuropeanUnionallocates €15 milliontosupportfamiliesinneed 11 – Brussels: The EU provides around Palestine headquarters-homepage_hy/45586/ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ can Union-EU-UN Joint Taskforce. operate inlinewiththeworkofAfri- Somalia, inoneday. Thesemeasures tance toreturnfromLibyaMogadishu, joint work,150migrantsreceivedassis- of irregular migration. Thanks to EU-IOM refugees aswelladdressrootcauses ments toassistvulnerablemigrantsand to continue todeliveron its commit- grammes andprojectsof€467million million. TheEUhasadoptednewpro- Assistance forMigrationWorth €467 4 – Brussels: The EU Mobilizes New Migration June suez-refinery.html ebrd-finances-upgrade-of-egypts- https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/ ity fuels and lower sulphurfuels. allow fortheproductionofhigherqual- flexibility oftheplant’scrudeintakeand refinery, theinvestmentswillincrease ing theoperationalperformanceof signed on22May. Inaddition to improv- cessing Company. Theagreementwas the oilrefineryownedbySuezOilPro- energy efficiencyandrefurbishmentof US$200 millionformajorinvestmentsin oil industry, theEBRDisprovidinga porting themodernizationofEgypt’s upgrade ofEgypt’sSuezrefinery. Sup- struction anddevelopmentfinances 23 –Suez:EuropeanBankforRecon- Infrastructures launches-sandah-microfinance-egypt stay-informed/news/eus-sanad-fund- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ and the Delta Region. ing inthegovernoratesofUpperEgypt as in meeting demand for MVSE financ small enterprise(MVSE)segment,aswell -

IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 395 Euromed Chronology Appendices IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 396 Euromed Chronology Appendices tional-security_en build-peace-and-strengthen-interna ean-peace-facility-eu-budget-fund- headquarters-homepage/46285/europ https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ third parties. in orderto provide militaryequipment to that couldhowevernotbemobilized nism, ed undertheso-calledAthenamecha- now, CSDPmilitarymissionswerefund- States todiscussandnegotiateit.Until nual financialframeworkforMember over thenextsevenyearsofmultian- the tableafigureof10.5BillionEuros ners onaglobalscale.Mogheriniput port operationsledbyinternationalpart- ute tothefinancingofmilitarypeacesup- actor andgiveitthe capability tocontrib- en theEU’sroleasamajorglobalmilitary idea underthisprogrammeistostrength- deployment andenhancingflexibility. The permanent basis,thusfacilitatingrapid ensure that EU funding is available on a or defenceimplications.Theaimisto Security Policy (CFSP)thathavemilitary tions under the Common Foreign and enabling thefinancingofoperationalac- of allEUmilitarymissionsandoperations, ment thatwillcoverthecommonscosts pean Peace Facility, an off-budget instru erini presentsthecreationofEuro- 13 –Brussels:HR/VPFedericaMogh- Peace to-europe/a-44192422 tanap-pipeline-that-will-bring-azeri-gas- https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-opens- energy security of Europe. nally, toplayakeyroleinmaintainingthe sify theEUnaturalgassuppliersand,fi- turn Turkey intoanenergyhub,todiver of theSouthernGasCorridor,aimsto The €7.2 billion project, which is a part Sea to Europe while bypassing Russia. will bringgasproducedintheCaspian Azerbaijan opentheTANAP pipelinethat line TANAP. On12June,Turkey and inauguration ofTurkish-Azeri gaspipe- 12 –Istanbul:TheEUwelcomesthe Energy west-bank-and-gaza-strip_uz/46175/ lestine-occupied-palestinian-territory- https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/pa cial protection system. aninclusiveandequitableso- through serving about 110,000 fa­ Social DevelopmentofPalestinein milies inneed - -

total amount of the financial aid reaches total amountofthe financialaidreaches Lebanon andJordanon20June. The ed largesteversupportpackage to in ResponsetotheSyrianCrisisadopt - Lebanon. TheEURegionalTrust Fund proves aidpackageof€165million for 20 –Brussels:EUSyriaTrust Fundap- Syria IP-18-4190_en.htm http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ regular migration. to tacklesomeoftherootcausesir- and sustainabledevelopmentasaway moting inclusivegrowth,jobcreation ropean neighbourhoodregionwhilepro- partner countriesinAfricaandtheEu- is toencourageinvestmentintheEU’s The EU’sExternalInvestmentPlanaim public institutionsandprivateinvestors. investment fromfinancialinstitutions, ing the quality of projects and mobilizing implies technicalassistanceforimprov- tainable development.Moreover,thePlan economic growth,jobcreation,andsus- a businessenvironmentandstimulate Plan inthecountryordertoimprove ly launchedtheEUExternalInvestment pean UnionandMoroccohaveofficial- 19 –Brussels:OnJune,theEuro- Economic growth %E2%82%AC173-million_en lebanese-healthcare-system-reaches- non/55677/european-union-support- https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/leba admissions for refugees. as emergency and obstetric hospital health care and includes facilities such other projectspecializesinsecondary able servicesofthehealthsector.The have achancetousequalityandafford- than 500,000vulnerablepeoplewill tem inLebanonandensurethatmore support oftheprimaryhealthcaresys- cally, thefirstprojectwillfocuson need acrossthecountry. Morespecifi- quality medical services for all people in on 13June.Theirmainaimistoprovide EU Regional Trust Fund, were launched care inLebanonandallocatedbythe lion, aimed at raising the quality of health recently approvedpackageof€70mil- in Lebanon.Thefirsttwoprojectsofa projects insupportofthehealthsector 13 – Brussels: The EU starts launching Health

ranean Sea,but a numberofquestions petitions alongtherimofMediter - tres forhousingandprocessingasylum foster thecreationofnewmigrant cen- on thetable.TheEUhasdecided to Still, someconcreteideashavebeen put again ontheoccasionofthissummit. ideological divisionshavebeenexposed pean countries. The geographicaland under greatpressurefrommanyEuro- the refugee redistributionquota system on avoluntarybasis,” therebyeliminating southern european Countries, but“only effort inordertoalleviatetheburdenon They agreethereshouldbeacommon with anagreementonmigrationpolicies. rise inBrussels,EUleaderscomeup long sessionthatendedjustbeforesun- 29 –Brussels:Afteranearly10-hour Migration workshop-online-terrorist-investigation stay-informed/news/euromed-police-held- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ moting transborder cooperation. and howtoovercomethemthroughpro- experts voicedtheircommonchallenges tion incourtwerealsodiscussed.The cols fortheadmissibilityofinforma- the informationcollected.Judicialproto- cover agentstothewaysofprocessing intelligence methods,theworkofunder- ist investigationonline:fromopensource on allthe aspects and steps of a terror- niques ontheInternetandsocialmedia ence concerninginvestigationtech- partner countriestosharetheirexperi- for three days, has allowed experts from cyberspace. Theworkshopthatlasted tion targetingterroristinvestigationinthe participated intheEuromedPolice Ac- the MoroccancityKenitra, tencountries shop ononlineterroristinvestigation. In Kenitra:EuromedPolice – holdawork 27 Terrorism package-165-million-lebanon-support syria-trust-fund-adopts-largest-ever-aid- https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/eu- estinian refugees in Jordan. will bededicatedtothesupportofPal- Syria. Also,€2millionfromthispackage from the resilienceofPalestinerefugees nerable groups, and, finally, strengthening tance tothelocalcommunitiesandvul tem ofLebanon,providingsocialassis- the improvementofeducationalsys- €165 million,whichwillbedirectedto - - on migration, the European Union will on migration,the EuropeanUnionwill the 2014MoroccanNationalStrategy portunities. Third,providingsupport to including thedevelopmentoflabour op- tion ofrefugeesandmigrantsin Libya, will reinforceitssupporttotheprotec - border management.Second,the EU rocco andTunisia tostrengthen maritime the EUwillhelpauthoritiesofMo- border ManagementfortheMaghreb, tions. First,throughtheprogrammeon money willcontributetothreemainac- totalling more than €90 million. This number ofmigrant-relatedproblemsand Trust FundforAfrica,aimedatsolvinga new programsundertheEUEmergency the EuropeanCommissionhasapproved programmes inNorthAfrica.On6July, tional €90.5millionformigration-related 6 -Brussels:TheEUallocatesaddi Migration July in-morocco-launched.html ebrds-first-private-renewable-project- https://www.ebrd.com/news/2018/ is now fully operational. erating powerinDecember2017and tion ofthewindfarm,whichbegangen- towards the development and construc without statesupport.Thefundinggo ject companyACWA Power Khalladi, extend aloanof€120milliontothepro- Funds’ CleanTechnology Fund(CTF) (BMCE) and the Climate Investment Marocaine duCommerceExterieur country. In2015, theEBRD, the Banque private renewableprojectfinancedin the the officiallaunchofEBRD’sfirst wind farminMoroccoon29Junemarks rocco. The inauguration of the Khalladi es aprivaterenewableprojectinMo- Reconstruction andDevelopmentlaunch- 29 –Khalladi:TheEuropeanBankfor Infrastructures ropean-council-on-migration/ https://www.euromesco.net/news/eu pressed their total opposition. have alreadyonseveraloccasionsex- African countries’ consent,butthese North Africa under EU funding and upon these migrantprocessingcentresin ers raised the possibility of implementing would beimplemented.SomeEUlead- remain ontheirlocationandhowthey -

respectively tothe PalestinianAuthori 10 million euros and 0.62millioneuros the Netherlandsmakeacontribution of 2 -Brussels:TheEuropeanUnionand Palestine August mediterranean-business-ecosystem informed/news/eu-supports-euro- https://euneighbours.eu/en/south/stay- bourhood countries. organizations inthe Southern Neigh enhancing privatesector by creation, clusive economicdevelopmentandjob business ecosystempromotinganin- aimed atboostingtheMediterranean the European Commission and is holders. EBSOMED is co-funded by ic development of the economic stake - and tosupportthesocialeconom- Mediterranean businessecosystem The purposeistoenhancetheEuro- Southern Neighbourhood” (EBSOMED). sations and Business Networks in the “Enhancing BusinessSupportOrgani- standing intheframeworkofproject signaMemorandumofUnder- (EMEA), Mediterranean EconomistsAssociation prises (BUSINESSMED)andtheEuro- Mediterranean ConfederationsofEnter- 23 -BrusselsJuly2018,theUnionof Business €12.667 million. to 1 July2018and30June2019amounts sion’s budgetfortheperiodbetween to reinforcetheruleoflaw. TheMis- rity ofthePalestinianpopulationand supports effortstoincreasethesecu- and justicesectorreform,theMission Through itscontributiontosecurity criminal justicesinceJanuary2006. of Palestineintheareaspolicingand the institutions of a future state building to assistthePalestinianAuthorityin June 2019.TheMissionismandated mandate ofEUPOLCOPPSuntil30 19 Police tions-protect-vulnerable-people-and_en fund-africa-new-migration-related-ac largement/news_corner/news/eu-trust- https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-en grant groups. increase its assistance to vulnerable mi - Brussels The Council extended the - - -

agreement between Tunis andRomethat nisian citizens.Hereferredtoa 2011 ready toacceptreturnsofconfirmed Tu- Fourati, saidTunisian authoritieswere come from.Hiscounterpart,Hichem Tunisia, where most Tunisian migrants to createjobsespeciallyinsouthern to workonadditionalItalianinvestments number ofdeaths.” Salvini alsopledged ficking of human beings...and to limit the countries agreed to fight “against the traf Interior MinisterMatteoSalvinisaidboth During anofficialvisittoTunisia, Italian cooperation between their governments. to theirhomecountryandimprovethe identified asillegallystayinginItalyback step up efforts to send Tunisian migrants 27 –Rome:Tunisia andItalyagreeto Migration refugees-keep-schools-and additional-eu40-million-palestine- stay-informed/news/eu-proposes- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ UNRWA to €146 million in 2018. European Commissioncontributionto amount of€40millionbringstheoverall to Palestinian refugees.The additional cation, primaryhealthcareandassistance agency tokeepprovidingaccessedu- poses additional€40milliontoallowthe tember, theEuropeanCommissionpro rial meeting,heldinNewYork on27Sep- 27 –NewYork: IntheUNWRAministe - Palestine September Agriculture. Chamber ofCommerce,Industryand atives ofthesocialpartnersinSaida is attendedbymorethan50 represent- promotion ofsocialdialogueinLebanon istry ofLabourasakeyelementinthe inLebanon”logue ontheroleofMin- Support thePromotionofSocialDia- der theproject“Technical Assistanceto in Lebanon.AnEU-fundedseminarun- es aseminar to promote socialdialogue 23 –Beirut:TheEuropeanUnionfinanc- Social Dialogue IP-19-2341_en.htm http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ West Bank. nian civil servants and pensioners inthe ty’s paymentofnearly55,000 Pa­ lesti­ - -

IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 397 Euromed Chronology Appendices IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 398 Euromed Chronology Appendices rum washosted bySpanishForeign Med4Jobs initiative.ThisRegional Fo- youth occupationinitiativeaspart ofthe with adialoguesessiononthe UfM rial meeting on foreign affairs coincided niversary oftheinstitution.Theministe - October, coinciding withthe10than- operation” isheldin Barcelonaon8 ing togetherthefutureofregionalco- gional Forum,entitled“10years:Build- Union fortheMediterranean(UfM)Re- Union fortheMediterranean.TheThird 8 – Barcelona: III Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean eu-values due-to-no-improvement-in-respect-for- turkey-meps-cut-support-by-EU70m- en/press-room/20180926IPR14407/ http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/ of the EU pledge for Syria.” iterranean migratoryrouteandfulfilpart cover actionslinkedtothecentralMed- fer theamountearmarkedforTurkey “to met. TheCommissionproposestotrans- the budgetary authority has not been MEPs considerthattheconditionsetby ances inthepoliticalsystem.” Therefore, weakening ofeffectivechecksandbal- fundamental rightsandthroughthe ticular intheareasofrulelawand cantly movingawayfromtheEU,inpar- clearly that“Turkey hasbeensignifi- was published in April 2018 and states report of the commission.” This report press freedom,accordingtotheannual rule oflaw, democracy, humanrightsand sufficient improvementsinthefieldsof dition that“Turkey makesmeasurable, pre-accession instrumentunderthecon- EP agreed to reserve €70 million in the budgetary negotiation,theECand law werenotmet.Lastyear,duringthe key, asconditionstoimprovetheruleof pre-accession fundsearmarkedforTur- ment decidestocancel€70millionin key by€70million.The European Parlia- 2 –Brussels:MEPscutsupporttoTur- Pre-accession October 1379421/middle-east http://www.arabnews.com/node/ Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. to Tunisia perweek.Salvinialsometwith allows authorities to send back 45 people

to-contain-migration/ eu-will-give-e140-million-to-morocco- https://www.euromesco.net/news/the- material. be mostly devoted to buy border control budget, buttheamountisexpected to be injecteddirectlyintotheMoroccan flows. Half of that money (70 million) will gration countries tocontrol migration cooperation with origin and transit mi- the shortruninanattempttostrengthen EU willgive Morocco €140millionin 18 October.Accordingtothedeal, Heads of Stateand Government on 17- flows, presentedat the Summitof EU plan forMoroccotomanagemigration Spanish-led proposalofanEUsupport dent Jean-ClaudeJunckerbackthe Tusk and European Commission Presi- European CouncilPresidentDonald lion toMoroccocontainmigration. 21 – Brussels: Migration 3rd-vienna-migration-conference/ https://www.euromesco.net/news/the- well as other high level panellists. Europe andneighbouringcountries,as include a high number of ministers from other. Attendeesofthisyear’sconference tem of functioning labour migrationonthe tion ontheonehand,andbuildingasys- ensuring accesstointernationalprotec- addressing theglobalrefugeecrisisand towards substantialgains:regulationin a comprehensivedebatecancontribute progress isneededthemostandwhere for migration partnerships where political conference focusesontwopriorityareas place on18-19October.Thisyear,the takes tion Policy Development(ICMPD), ized bytheInternationalCentreforMigra- agement toFutureGovernance,” organ- “FromCrisisMan- Conference (VMC), 19 – Vienna: Migration forum-2018/ https://ufmsecretariat.org/regional- minister level. UfM, including13atministerorvice- tives ofthe43member-states It wasattendedbyhighrepresenta- Safadi as co-presidencies of the UfM. and JordanianForeignMinisterAyman chaired byHR/VPFedericaMoghe­ retary GeneralNasserKamel,andwas Minister JosepBorrellandUfMSec- The 3rd Vienna Migration The 3rd Vienna Migration The EU will give €140 mil rini - gees-morocco facilitate-economic-integration-refu stay-informed/news/european-union- https://www.euneighbours.eu/en/south/ ary 2020,foratotalamountof€828,000. tion oftwoyears,February2018- Janu- among refugees in Morocco has a dura trepreneurship andcooperativeprojects The supporttothedevelopmentofen- operatives amongrefugeesinMorocco. of entrepreneurshipinitiativesandco- edented steptowardsthedevelopment services oftheseagencies,anunprec- benefit fromintegrated access to the operation (ODCO) to allow refugees to the OfficeforDevelopmentofCo- Employment and Skills(ANAPEC) the National Agency for Promotion of motion ofSmallBusiness(AMAPPE), can AssociationofSupporttothePro- 22 October,togetherwiththeMoroc- er oftheproject,signsaConvention,on lead- tions RefugeeAgency(UNHCR), refugees inMorocco.TheUnitedNa- facilitate theeconomicintegrationof , MonacoandJapanaimto nanced by the EU(with a rate of 75%), refugees in Morocco. A project co-fi- supports theeconomicintegrationof 22 –Brussels:TheEuropeanUnion Refugees union/ nue-consultations-with-the-african- union-for-the-mediterranean-to-conti https://www.euromesco.net/news/the- 2063 and SDGs in Africa. ner intheimplementationofagenda the European Union as a strategic part- also acknowledgethepositiveroleof inclusive andsustainablegrowth.They da toachieveintegration,aswell ment Goals(SDGs)andthe2030Agen- mentation oftheSustainableDevelop Africa, especiallyregardingtheimple- mutually reinforcingobjectivesinNorth roles ofthetwoorganizationsand er Abou-Zeid discusstherespective retary-General KamelandCommission- Secretary GeneralNasserKamel.Sec- Abou-Zeid, payacourtesycalltoUfM for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Amani the AfricanUnion(AU)Commissioner by theUnionforMediterranean(UfM), African Union. According to press release iterranean continuesconsultationswiththe 22 –Barcelona:TheUnionfortheMed Infrastructure and Energy - - -

Algeria strengthen theirenergypartner- 20 –Algiers:TheEuropeanUnionand Energy eu_en southern-mediterranean-region-during- strengthens-cooperation-civil-society- enlargement/news_corner/news/eu- https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood- nomic development and social dialogue. countering violence,migration,andeco- ernance and rule of law, security and around fourkeytopics, namely, good gov- partner countries.TheForumisorganized from theEU’sSouthernNeighbourhood tions, thinktanksandpractitionersmainly NGOs, tradeunions,business associa- together representativesoftheEUand jalat CivilSocietyForum2018brings Civil SocietyForum2018.TheEU-Ma operation withcivilsociety:EU-Majalat 20-21 – Brussels: EU strengthens co Civil society liaison-officers-in-third-countries/ coordination-between-eu-immigration- council-of-the-eu-decides-to-improve- https://www.euromesco.net/news/ steering board. be allocatedinagreementwiththe activities ofimmigrationofficersthatwill as makingavailablefundsinsupportof in combatingmigrantsmugglingaswell strengthening theroleofliaisonofficers the coordinationofliaisonofficer, en themanagementofnetworkand a steeringboardatEUleveltostrength- cludes provisionssuchasintroducing 14 NovemberbyEUambassadors,in- work ofimmigrationofficer,agreedon tioning oftheexistingEuropeannet- so, theproposaltoimprovefunc- dination between liaison officers. To do strengthen thecooperationandcoor- ing legalmigration.TheEUaimsto migration, return facilitationor manag- prevention and combatting of illegal countries onmigration issues, such as contacts withtheauthoritiesofthird States andtheEUinordertomaintain aison officersaredeployedbyMember countries. Almost500immigrationli- EU immigration liaison officers in third cides to improve coordination between 14 – Brussels: Council of the EU - de Immigration November - - eign Minister,MevlütÇavu they exchangeviewswiththeTurkish For- EU andTurkey. Amongothertopics, for theHighPolitical Dialoguebetween tiations, JohannesHahn,areinAnkara hood Policy andEnlargementNego - Commissioner forEuropeanNeighbour- ber, HR/VPFedericaMogheriniand 22 –Ankara:OnThursdayNovem- EU-Turkey energy-partnership-2018-nov-19_en ean-union-and-algeria-strengthen-their- https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/europ versify the energy sources. more attractivetoinvestors,anddi- regulatory frameworkforgastomakeit jective istoimprovethelegislativeand energy efficiency, andthecommonob- covers natural gas, renewable energy and energy dialoguebetweenbothcountries Guitouni, AlgerianEnergyMinister.The geria, wherehemeetswithMustapha partnership betweentheEUandAl- level meetingtorelaunchtheenergy visits Algeriaon20Novemberforahigh Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete ship. TheEUCommissionerforClimate third EU-IranHigh LevelSeminaron 2016. Themeetingcoincideswith the in NovemberlastyearandFebruary a continuationofsimilarexchanges held part ofEUIranpoliticaldialogue and as on humanrightsareheld,asanintegral and Afghanistan. In parallel, discussions notably Syria,Iraq,Yemen, Lebanon counter-terrorism andregionalissues, environment, drug policy, as well as bilateral issues, such as trade, energy, De Kerchove. The meeting focuses on Counter-Terrorism Coordinator,Gilles Rights, StavrosLambrinidis,andtheEU Special RepresentativeforHuman EU in Brussels,withthepresenceof of the High Level Political Dialogue, bas Araghchi,holdthefourthmeeting the IranianDeputyForeignMinister,Ab- Secretary General,HelgaSchmid,and the European External Action Service’s Political Dialogue.On26November, 26 –Brussels:EU-IranHighLevel EU – Iran turkey-high-political-dialogue/ https://www.euromesco.net/news/eu- and transport. and counterterrorism,energy, economy, sues such as cooperation on migration ş o ğ lu onis-

ces-to-palestinian-families/ lion-for-the-payment-of-social-allowan finland-and-spain-to-provide-e12-6-mil https://www.euromesco.net/news/eu- opment Plans. ity ReformandvariousNational Devel- cial SupporttothePalestinianAuthor - Socio-Eco­ tino-Européen de Gestion de l’Aide through PEGASE(“MécanismePales- over €2.5 billionhavebeendisbursed the Gazastrip.SinceFebruary2008, 62,000 fa­ the socialallowancesofaround Palestinians, anditisexpectedtocover inclusive andequitablesocialsystemfor Gaza Strip.Theaimistoprovidean territories of the West Bank and the ances topoorfamiliesinthePalestinian thority forthepaymentofsocialallow- lion respectively)tothePalestinianAu- (€10 million,€1.6 and€1mil- Spain makea€12.6 millioncontribution 11 –Brussels:TheEU,Finlandand Palestine node_pt?page=3 https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/ ecosystem. its at thesociallevelwhilepreserving ronment forMediterraneanpopulations, create jobsandprovideabetterenvi- eration. Theideaistogenerategrowth, to strengthenmaritimeregionalcoop- adopt a declaration in which they commit Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia) France, Italy, Libya,Malta,Mauritania, ing in the WestMED initiative (Algeria, ministers fromthecountriesparticipat Algiers onMonday4December.The western Mediterraneantakesplacein on cooperationblueeconomyinthe economy. blue TheMinisterialconference 4 –Algiers:WestMED Conferenceon Blue Economy December logue_en and-iran-hold-high-level-political-dia headquarters-homepage/54494/eu- https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/ Action. of theJointComprehensivePlan clear cooperationinlinewithAnnexIII which focusesonaspectsofcivilnu- International NuclearCooperation milies, ofwhich80%livein nomique”), theDirectFinan- nomique”), -

IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 399 Euromed Chronology Appendices IEMed. Mediterranean Yearbook 2019 400 Euromed Chronology Appendices the Moroccanauthorities’ capacityto ficking of human beings, while improving fight againstmigrantsmugglingandtraf- gration andAsylum,“helpsstepupthe for Morocco’sNationalStrategyonMi- is part of the EU’s “continuous support” press release.Thenewfunding,which cording toaEuropeanCommission’s Morocco to€148millionin2018,” ac- overall migrationrelatedassistanceto gency Trust Fund for Africa will bring the funding adoptedundertheEUemer- Africa to€148million.“Theadditional der theEUemergencyTrust Fundfor the total amount mobilized in 2018 un- address irregularmigrationbybringing reinforced itssupporttoMorocco 15 –Brussels:TheEuropeanUnionhas Migration signed, suchasthelayingofEast Few inter-governmentalagreementsare meeting inBeersheba,southernIsrael. Thursday 20Decemberthe5thtrilateral Prime MinisterAlexisTsipras, holdon President Nicos Anastasiades, andGreek Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Cypriot mit: Israel,GreeceandCyprus.Prime 20 –Beersheba:The5thTrilateral Sum- Energy resources IP-18-6705_en.htm http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ western Mediterranean Route.” creased migratorypressurealongthe irregular migration“inresponsetoin- ing itssupporttothekingdomaddress mission, addingthattheEUisintensify manage theirborders,” notestheCom- - cyprus/ 5th-trilateral-summit-israel-greece-and- https://www.euromesco.net/news/the- gic cooperation in many fields. and Cyprus have increased geo-strate- ernments. In recent years, Israel, Greece framework agreementbetweenthegov- desire to enter into negotiations on a make ajointdeclarationonthemutual and exchangesofinformationthey on technicalcooperationinmeteorology and theirapplications,withCyprus with Greeceoncooperationinsatellites bilateral level,Israelsignsanagreement and environmentalprotection.Onthe of] Europe, cyber-security, disaster relief through CyprusandGreeceto[therest facilitate theexportofgasfromIsrael Med gaspipelinewhichisexpectedto