The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC):
- applauds the Communication's renewed commitment to the rule of law, human and fundamental rights, equality, democracy and good governance as a cornerstone for the development of equitable, inclusive and therefore prosperous societies in our Southern Neighbourhood, as well as its particular focus on young people, women and disadvantaged groups;
- considers it crucial that the EU support and promote the action of the different institutions and networks of CSOs in the broad sense of the term at Euro-Mediterranean level so that they can carry out their work in the best possible conditions;
- believes it is important to improve regional, sub-regional and inter-regional cooperation and considers the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as a good example of the good governance approach in the region;
- stresses that the focus must be on tackling the root causes of migration in the respective partner countries, so that people do not migrate due to a lack of life chances.
With this in mind, at its 562nd plenary session, held on 7 and 8 July 2021, the EESC adopted the following opinion, available in all language versions:
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood - A new Agenda for the Mediterranean
