Political, Social and Economic Impacts of European Union Policies with its Mediterranean Partners - Focus on ‘Investment’ and Recommendations for Improved Integration

Tutkimus 25-04-2014

Since the 2011 Arab revolutions, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries (SEMCs) have been undergoing multiple transitions (political, social, cultural, religious, etc.). These revolutions have brought to light two main areas requiring action: the upgrading of infrastructures and the creation of jobs for the younger generation. Although the relationship between these countries and Europe is strong, it needs to be renewed. This renewal must be comprehensive and must focus on investment, joint management of energy transition, and mobility, which requires special treatment due to its human dimension. Certain measures would need to be put in place for this, for example a fund dedicated to infrastructures, bringing together all of the financial support from Europe; increased mobilisation in favour of SMEs, and management of the mobility of professionals. As far as the SEMCs are concerned, the establishment of a regional economic area will be achieved through improvement of the business climate. This will entail the modernisation of the legal framework by means of regional convergence so that the EU operators and the SEMCs have shared and mutually compatible legal tools at their disposal, as well as taking a progressive step towards the modernisation of the financial system in accordance with a schedule set out by each country.