Current situation
The EEB has many members in the Mediterranean countries of the EU. These members share specific problems related to the environmental situation in the region. These problems are compounded by the political culture, and, in some countries, the relatively low membership of the movement. It is essential for the future of this region and for the EU in general that the Mediterranean embarks on a real path towards sustainable development, and the EEB can play a role in this in various ways. One way is to ensure that in all areas of work, the Mediterranean dimension is properly present. Another way is to give special emphasis to discussions and awareness raising with decision-makers and opinion leaders from the region. A third one is to organise specific activities to strengthen the capacity of the members.
Concerning our Middle East activities, the EEB is pleased that the Friends of the Earth Middle East proposal for a Water Management Contract in the Middle East was approved. The EEB intervened several times in the Commission in favour of the project and it was finally approved at the end of 2001.
Water scarcity, pressure on coastal areas, desertification and heavy erosion, loss of biodiversity, and land based marine pollution are among the most serious concerns in the Mediterranean, and mass tourism and intensive agriculture are among the main causes. The Commission’s plan for a Mediterranean Free Trade Zone to be achieved by 2010 could have a deplorable impact on the environment in the region, as it gives priority to liberalisation and economic growth over sustainability. The EU’s Small and Medium term Programme for the Environment (SMAP) is only a minor remedy.
The EEB continues to participate in the Comite de Suivi (CdS). The CdS is composed of seven European and Mediterranean international organizations who follow the political developments of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. As a member of CdS, the EEB commented on and provided criticism on the Commission’s 1st regional interim report on SMAP. The EEB will continue to follow the progress of SMAP and feels that the environmental movement in general should have a greater role in ensuring the success of its objectives.
Also in the framework of the CdS, the EEB follows the Euro-Mediterranean process. It brings together 15 European Union countries plus 12 neighbouring states in the Mediterranean, it also participates in meetings and in the drafting of NGO positions. The EEB will be involved in ensuring a role for the Mediterranean countries in the Johannesburg World Summit.
Inside the EU-Member States, the inappropriate use of Structural and Cohesion Funds, the lack of a sustainable tourism policy, and unsustainable agriculture practices remain a serious concern. EEB has a large membership in the region, and supports regional co-ordination and organisation.
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For more information, please contact:
Regina Schneider
email: info@eeb.org |
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