New volume of "Europe in Dialogue": Europe und North Africa : Towards a New Culture of Dialogue (Bertelsmann Stiftung)

After decades of authoritarian rule, citizens in the Arab world are demanding political, social and economic participation, accountable leadership and democratic institutions under the rule of law.  Europe must be swift in providing more effective support for the democratization processes underway. Indeed, the successful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt signify a turning point requiring the EU to build new bridges with its North African neighbors.
Unfortunately, debates on how to go about this have so far been held exclusively among Europeans and without those directly affected by the course of events. To expand the circle of debate, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has invited nine renowned Arab activists and intellectuals from each North African country to outline a new EU policy capable of achieving the necessary objectives at hand.

Their essays, ideas and suggestions are now available in the publication, " The Future of the Mediterrannean. Which Way for Europe and North Africa " which has been published as part of the Europe in Dialogue series. In order to foster dialogue across cultures, the publication is appearing simultaneously in English and Arabic. It will serve as a basis for discussions to be held at the Kronberger Middle East Talks, which the Bertelsmann Stiftung is hosting next week in Morocco.
The publication is available online in English at: http://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/EuropeInDialogueMediterraneanEng <http://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/EuropeInDialogueMediterraneanEng>
and in Arabic at : http://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/EuropeInDialogueMediterraneanArab <http://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/EuropeInDialogueMediterraneanArab>
The authors emphasize that this new relationship must be based on a shared commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. The relationship between the EU and those states clearly headed toward democracy must be a close partnership of equals. States moving toward reform must be provided the appropriate support as they are encouraged to take the necessary steps forward. 
Emphasizing the need for the EU to assume a more visible and active stance in support of democratization, the North African authors call upon the EU to demonstrate greater moral support and resolve in the pursuit of goals rather than increased funding. This entails providing active support in preparing elections and building democratic institutions while fostering relations with all relevant sectors of society.  Civil society organizations, for example, should be provided the necessary tools and means to act as critical monitors of government activity capable of demanding accountability.  The authors also suggest the EU support education efforts across North Africa through various initiatives.  Finally, economic relations must be fundamentally rethought. European businesses must be encouraged to establish joint ventures or invest in the region's young democracies. The EU could also expand the scope of economic opportunity by opening its agricultural markets and fostering closer partnerships with North African countries on issues like solar energy.

These new relations must be built on a culture of open, eye-to-eye dialogue between Europe and North Africa. This publication is intended as a contribution to this dialogue.

If you would like to receive a print copy of the book, please contact directly
Armando Garcia Schmidt
Project Manager
Program Europe's Future
 
Bertelsmann Stiftung
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The Bertelsmann Stiftung, based in Gütersloh, Germany, is an independent, private 
operating foundation in accordance with Section 1 of North Rhine-Westphalia's Foundation Law. 
The district government of Detmold serves as its supervisory authority.
Founder: Reinhard Mohn
Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Prof. Dr. Dieter H. Vogel
Executive Board: Dr. Gunter Thielen (Chair), Liz Mohn (Vice Chair), Dr. Jörg Dräger, Dr. Brigitte Mohn