The Euro-Mediterranean Agreements: Partnership or penury?

Overview

Foreign Ministers are due to meet in Naples to discuss the next steps in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership on December 2 and 3. The vision behind the free trade zone is to bring greater stability and prosperity to the whole region. However, the EU stands to gain most from the deal at a time when poverty in the Middle East and North Africa is rising. Almost a quarter of the population earns just $2 per day. Arab economies need better safeguards if poor people’s livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, are to be protected. Oxfam believes that true partnership requires a more equitable trading relationship that can benefit both the EU and Arab countries.