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Press Statement by DMAG Chair Matjaž Nemec - Delegation to Mauritania from 17 to 20 December 2023
A delegation representing the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries (DMAG), led by Matjaž Nemec (S&D, Slovenia), DMAG Chair, accompanied by Stanislav Polcak (EPP, Czech Republic) and Gilles Lebreton (ID, France), held a visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania from the 17th to the 20th of December 2023.
The main objective of the visit was the holding of the 12th Inter-parliamentary meeting (IPM) between the EP and the National Assembly of Mauritania. The visit is part of the regular dialogue between the two Parliaments and is building on the results of the previous IPM that took place in 2018, in Brussels. The Inter-parliamentary meeting is seeking for an increased dialogue and the strengthening of the relations between the two parliaments.
The EP delegation exchanged with the Mauritanian interlocutors on all fields of common interest, with a special focus on: the economic development and opportunities for youth; cooperation on fisheries; joint efforts to tackle illegal migration as well as to support refugees and the Mauritanian communities hosting them; security and stability and on the important role of Mauritania in the region in this respect.
In Nouakchott, the EP delegation met with the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Mohamed Ould Megett, with the Chair of the Contact Group in the Assembly Mr Aly M. Kane and the other members of the Group constituted for the IPM, as well as with the leaders of political groups in the parliament, from the government coalition and the opposition. The delegation was received by Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal Messoud and met the delegated Minister of foreign affairs, the Minister of interior and the President of the National Commission of Human Rights. Members had the opportunity to exchange with local representatives of the IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF and the Red Cross.
In Nouadhibou, the delegation met with the Wali of the region, with the administration of the National Industrial and Mining Society (SNIM), with representatives of the Coast Guard and Guardia Civil, with the President of the National Federation of Fishery, as well as with NGOs directly involved in tackling migration issues and granting support to migrants in need. Members visited the Centre of qualification of youth for fishery activities and the Naval Academy and saw the projects financed by the EU (simulator of navigation and pedagogical swimming pool). They also had the opportunity to see a new fish market, supported by EU, and appreciated the professional training granted to the women working there.
Throughout the visit, the EP delegation stressed the willingness to develop and reinforce the relations with Mauritanian partners in all fields of common interest. Members expressed satisfaction for the recent reinforcement of the political dialogue with Mauritania. They underlined the importance of efforts towards a business environment attractive for investors, in support of an increased economic development. They referred to the importance of education for all. They underlined the need of a general health insurance, appreciating the Mauritanian efforts in this respect. The importance of combating the reminiscences of slavery was also underlined, as well as of the issue of identity cards for all Mauritanians. Different aspects of human rights were also discussed, including the freedom of expression. The EP delegation appreciated the recent developments within Mauritanian democracy, including the dialogue between political forces. On the fishery agreement, appreciated by both parties, discussions included the need to identify the factors which could make it more interesting for European fishing vessels, which are not yet present at the level expected. On the fishery sector in Mauritania, the accent was put on the importance to boost local consumption as well as on a higher value added domestic fishery processing.
Water scarcity was also addressed, especially in the context of climate change. Mauritanian efforts towards projects on green hydrogen, including through the Global Gateway were highly appreciated.
The nexus development - stability was lengthy discussed. Members highly appreciated the regional role of Mauritania, especially in the current geopolitical context. Reflections on possible future multilateral cooperation for regional security took place.
The EP delegation as well as Mauritanian interlocutors, notably during the IPM, stressed their high concern regarding the recent developments in the Middle East and regarding the conflicts and crisis in Africa and underlined the need of increased efforts to prevent conflicts and to avoid regional escalation. The importance to ensure the protection of all civilians at all times, according to international humanitarian law was underlined. Both parties expressed high concerns on the accentuated humanitarian crisis in Gaza and asked for continue and swift provision of humanitarian aid. They underlined their attachment to a sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and expressed their readiness to contribute to the relaunch of the political process.
Thanking its Mauritanian hosts for their hospitality and openness for dialogue, the EP delegation expressed its commitment to remain engaged, through the Contact Group of the National Assembly of Mauritania, in a continuous dialogue, for boosting bilateral cooperation with Mauritania, a key regional partner.
During the visit, the Chair stressed: "I am glad for the opportunity to visit Mauritania and to bring back to the European Parliament a positive message of willingness for increased cooperation. Mauritania is an important partner. We are facing the same challenges and we need to tackle them together: terrorism and radicalism, migration, support for refugees. We need to strengthen our ties for the economic development, for commercial issues, for the environmental issues, which have to be solved in the interest of our peoples and our countries. This is the legacy, from us, to the new Delegation of relations with the Maghreb countries, after the elections for the European Parliament in 2024: the cooperation, the partnership with Mauritania has to continue and to be increased, for our mutual benefit"
The IPM concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement (attached).
Meeting of DMAG Chair Matjaz Nemec with the Vice-President of Libya Presidential Council Mousa Al-Koni
The DMAG Chair underlined the importance to enhance communication with Libya and all Maghreb partners, especially amid the current regional crises, and assured on the strong partnership and willingness of cooperation from the Maghreb Delegation. He stated the desire to visit Libya and to send a strong message to Europeans and Libyans that we can start a new chapter of our relation soon.
DMAG Chair Statement following the floods in Libya
In light of the terrible storm that hit Libya, my thoughts are with the Libyan people, the victims of the deadly floods and their families. I call on the EU to mobilise immediate humanitarian support to Libya.
12 September 2023
The Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries, Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SL), said:
"I am profoundly shocked by the terrible news of the many victims caused by Storm Daniel and the severe flooding in Libya. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, and with the many communities impacted by the floods. I wish to express my condolences to the Libyan people and solidarity with all those affected.
I urge the EU and all relevant UN bodies to offer urgent assistance to Libya, which is facing a devastating human and humanitarian cost. I call on the European Commission to quickly mobilise any technical or humanitarian assistance that may be requested by Libya."
Déclaration suite au tremblement de terre au Maroc
Aujourd'hui, nos pensées vont au peuple marocain, aux victimes du tremblement de terre et à leurs familles. L'UE doit mobiliser une aide humanitaire immédiate en faveur du Maroc.
9 septembre 2023
Le Président de la Commission des affaires étrangères du Parlement européen, David McALLISTER (EPP, DE), et le Président de la Délégation pour les relations avec les pays du Maghreb du Parlement européen, Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SL), ont déclaré :
« Nous sommes terriblement attristés par les informations relatives au tremblement de terre qui s'est produit hier soir dans les montagnes du Haut Atlas. Nos pensées vont aux nombreuses victimes de ce terrible incident ainsi qu'à leurs familles. Nous voudrions exprimer nos sincères condoléances au peuple marocain et à toute personne qui a perdu un membre de sa famille ou un ami. Nous souhaitons un prompt rétablissement aux nombreux blessés.
Le coût humain et humanitaire est dévastateur et nous exhortons la communauté internationale à venir en aide au peuple marocain. En tant que Présidents de la Commission des affaires étrangères et de la Délégation pour les relations avec les pays du Maghreb, nous appellons la Commission européenne à mobiliser rapidement toute assistance technique ou humanitaire que le Royaume du Maroc pourrait demander. »
Les principaux députés européens travaillant sur la Tunisie appellent à la libération immédiate des prisonniers politiques
Le futur de la Tunisie doit se fonder sur des valeurs de démocratie, de pluralisme politique et de respect des droits de l'homme
19 avril 2023
Le Président de la Sous-commission des Droits de l'homme, Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE), le Président de la Delegation pour les relations avec les pays du Maghreb, Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SL), le rapporteur permanent sur la Tunisie de la Commission des affaires étrangères, Michael GAHLER (PPE, DE), et le chef de file Tunisie du Groupe de soutien à la démocratie et de coordination des élections, Emmanuel MAUREL (La Gauche, FR), ont déclaré:
"Nous sommes profondément préoccupés par les nombreuses arrestations d'acteurs politiques provenant de différents groupes d'opposition en Tunisie, notamment celles de Rached Ghannouchi et de trois autres responsables du parti Ennahda le lundi, 17 avril 2023. Le fait que le Ministre de l'Intérieur tunisien décide, le lendemain des arrestations, d'interdire les réunions du mouvement Ennahda et du Front de salut national sur le territoire tunisien, est une atteinte grave aux droits et aux libertés démocratiques dans le pays.
Nous demandons aux autorités tunisiennes de libérer immédiatement toutes les personnes détenues arbitrairement pour avoir exercé leur liberté d'expression et d'association, y compris les opposants politiques, les journalistes, les juges, les avocats et les responsables syndicaux de l'UGTT, et de respecter leurs droits et libertés fondamentales."
Press Statement by DMAG Chair Andrea Cozzolino - Delegation to Algeria from 19 to 21 September 2022
A delegation representing the European Parliament (EP) Delegation for relations with Maghreb countries held a visit to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria from the 19th to the 21st of September 2022, on the occasion of the 1st Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) between the EP and the Algerian Parliament. This is part of the ongoing structured dialogue between the two Parliaments. The constitutive meeting of the JPC took place in 2018, in Brussels. The JPC is seeking for the strengthening of the relations between the two parliaments and is building on the dialogue held in the 16 inter-parliamentary meetings organised before.
Led by Mr Andrea Cozzolino (S&D, Italy), Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with Maghreb countries, and Co-Chair of the JPC, and composed by five other Members, Mr Stanislav Polčák (EPP, Czech Republic), Ms Adriana Maldonado Lopez (S&D, Spain), Ms Margarida Marques (S&D, Portugal), Mr Javier Nart (Renew, Spain) and Ms Salima Yenbou (Renew, France), the delegation met with Member of People's National Assembly Mr Sidehmed Temamri, the Algerian Co-Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, Ms Leila Brahimi, Algerian Vice-Chair of the JPC and Vice-President of the Council of the Nation, as well as with the other parliamentarians, members of the JPC. The Joint Parliamentary Committee adopted a joint declaration (annexed). The EP delegation also met with the Speaker of the People's National Assembly, Mr M.Brahim Boughali as well as with the Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Mr Saleh Goujil.
The delegation met with the Prime Minister, Mr Aymen Benabderrahmane, the Minister of energy and mines, Mr Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of knowledge economy, start-ups and micro-enterprises, Mr Yacine Oualid, as well as with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of civil society organizations.
The delegation highly appreciated the visit of the IOM-run transit centre for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme in Algeria and the meeting with the Chief of Mission IOM Algeria, Mr Paolo Caputo and his team. Members highly valued the opportunity to discuss directly with the migrants present in the centre, on their concrete situation and needs, including from the perspective of EU financing of the assisted voluntary returns.
With all its interlocutors, the EP Delegation stressed their willingness to consolidate bilateral dialogue with Algeria, as key strategic partner in the Southern Neighbourhood, underlining the importance of the EU-Algeria partnership, particularly in the current geopolitical context.
The delegation underlined the importance of joint efforts to achieve the objectives of the EU - Algeria Association Agreement and to implement the common partnership priorities, notably on political dialogue, governance, rule of law and promotion of fundamental rights, as well as on socio-economic development and trade, energy, security and human dimension, migration and mobility.
The EP delegation welcomed the adoption of the Investment Law 2022 and its application measures, published at the time of the visit, expressing the hope that these new provisions will boost the increase of foreign direct investment in Algeria, while stressing the importance of a business climate that offers the necessary predictability and stability for the confidence of potential investors.
The delegation expressed the importance of the economic and trade relations between Algeria and the EU internal market, without discrimination, in the mutual interest of both parties.
The EP delegation underlined the highest importance of preserving and promoting human rights, individual freedoms and notably the freedom of expression and of media, in Europe and in Algeria, central elements of the EU - Algeria Association Agreement.
The delegation welcomed Algeria's role as key partner of the EU in the region, in particular as a reliable energy supplier, and underlined Algeria's enormous potential for renewable energy and the EU willingness of cooperation in this respect.
The delegation reiterated the commitment to remain engaged, notably through the Joint Parliamentary Committee continuous dialogue, in boosting the implementation of the EU-Algeria partnership priorities and in striving for increasing cooperation, notably on human resources and economic opportunities.
Thanking its Algerian hosts for their hospitality and openness for dialogue, the EP Delegation stressed the importance of the cooperation with Algeria, a key partner for the EU.
Statement by Andrea Cozzolino, DMAG Chair, on the postponement of elections in Libya
23 December 2021
The announcement by the High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) of the postponement of Libya's elections of 24 December is a disappointing signal amid the efforts to mark a new and healing start for Libya, through free, fair and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections that will enable the Libyans to elect representative and unified institutions, in order to contribute to the strengthening of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.
My hope is that a new date for elections will be agreed soon and that the electoral calendar will be effectively implemented and that the electoral commission and all Libyan institutions involved will make best use of this time to solve the problems related to their organization, including finalizing the list of presidential candidates and clarifying the rules on the selection of candidates. Dialogue between all stakeholders is of utmost importance at this stage for establishing the security and political conditions enabling this complex electoral process leading towards a peaceful transition.
Libya is a strategic country for the EU and we will not spare our efforts to support the democratic process, needed to consolidate the peace, so that it can finally bring a stable future for the Libyan citizens.
Déclaration de M. Andrea Cozzolino, Président de la Délégation du Parlement européen pour les relations avec les pays du Maghreb (DMAG)
Le 3 novembre 2021
L'annonce, par le président algérien Abdelmadjid Tebboune, de la suspension des relations commerciales entre la société nationale Sonatrach ("Société nationale pour la recherche, la production, le transport, la transformation, et la commercialisation des hydrocarbures") et l'établissement public marocain de l'ONEE ("Office national de l'électricité et de l'eau potable"), ainsi que le non-renouvellement de l'accord d'approvisionnement en gaz qui a expiré le 31 octobre, est une source de grave préoccupation.
En effet, cet accord d'approvisionnement concerne directement, non seulement le Maroc, mais aussi l'Union européenne.
Quelles que soient les raisons qui ont motivées une telle décision, l'utilisation de l'approvisionnement en gaz comme moyen de pression ne saurait constituer une solution appropriée. Ceci est particulièrement vrai dans la période actuelle de forte tension sur les prix de l'énergie, lorsque ce sont les citoyens européens qui risquent d'en faire les frais.
En tant que président de la Délégation du Parlement européen pour les relations avec les pays du Maghreb (DMAG), et eu égard à l'importance et à la qualité des relations euro-algériennes, j'appelle le gouvernement algérien à reconsidérer cette décision et à reprendre la voie du dialogue. J'appelle également le Service européen d'action extérieure et la Commission européenne à engager une initiative diplomatique afin d'encourager les autorités algériennes à revoir leur décision.
Call for dialogue with President Saïed and Speaker Ghannouchi
The political situation in Tunisia is worrying, with the country already seriously affected both by the health crisis and a persistent economic crisis. President Kaïs Saïed's decision to suspend the activities of the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) and to lift the immunity of all its Members illustrates the institutional dysfunction of the country.
We shall continue to follow very closely the unfolding of events, while maintaining our unwavering support for the democratic aspirations of the Tunisian people and our aim to ensure respect for the rule of law, civil liberties and the Constitution.
Fully respecting Tunisian national sovereignty, the European Union (EU) needs to live up to its responsibility to help the Tunisian people, to safeguard the precious achievements of its Revolution and to mediate between all parts of the Tunisian society, civilian and political actors alike. In this respect, it is essential to avoid any violence and to allow the institutions to resume their normal functioning as soon as possible.
We shall remain very attentive to the respect of the 30-day period after which the ARP will have to resume its normal activities. We also call for the strengthening of the EU's support to Tunisia in regards to the health crisis. Finally, we urge HR/VP Josep Borrell to undertake a mission to Tunis as soon as possible, and we call on EP President David Sassoli to hold talks with President Kaïs Saïed and with ARP Speaker Rachid Ghannouchi.
STATEMENT by DMAG Chair, MEP Andrea COZZOLINO, on new Government of National Unity in Lybia
16 March 2021
Libya - Following the confirmation and the swearing-in of the new Government of National Unity of Libya, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries, MEP Andrea COZZOLINO (S&D, IT) has declared:
"On the occasion of the vote of approval by the House of Representatives and their swearing-in, I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah and all the members of his government of national unity.
Indeed, the formation of the new government marks an important and long-awaited milestone in the political process towards a unified, peaceful and democratic Libya.
I join my voice to the EU High Representative in expressing my appreciation for the efforts consented by all the Libyan parties involved. By setting aside some of their particular demands, they have ensured that the spirit of national unity and reconciliation would prevail.
As Chair of the Maghreb Delegation of the European Parliament, I am confident that my Libyan counterparts from the House of Representatives will continue to work together in a very constructive way and join forces with the Government of National Unity and the High National Electoral Commission in order to make all necessary preparations for the holding of the national elections
At this crucial stage in the history of Libya, the prospects for stability and peace should not be threatened by any spoilers. All efforts should be done to fully implement the ceasefire agreement. The foreign fighters should be withdrawn. A comprehensive reform in the security sector, including by the dismantling of militias and unifying armed forces under civilian oversight, should be implemented effectively.
Please rest assured that the European Parliament, which enjoys a long and comprehensive experience in the electoral field, stands ready to engage in an all-encompassing dialogue with our Libyan counterparts in order to support the collective endeavour towards a unified and democratic Libya for the benefit of all Libyan citizens."