© Rusland Olinchuk, Fotolia.com
At the European Council on 23 October, Heads of State and Government reiterated their commitment to support the democratic transformation of its Southern Neighbourhood through the European Neighbourhood Policy. The rapid launch of concrete projects within the Union for the Mediterranean can contribute to this process.
„Today’s meeting coincided with the first free elections held in Tunisia: a major milestone in the Arab Spring,” declared President Van Rompuy.
The European Council looks forward to the formation of a broad-based government in Libya. This North African country can now turn a page in its history and embrace a new democratic future.
„We also expressed our grave concern over the continuing brutality against the civilian population in Syria. If this repression does not come to an end, the European Union will impose further restrictive measures against the regime”, continued…
© Rusland Olinchuk, Fotolia.com
At the European Council on 23 October, Heads of State and Government reiterated their commitment to support the democratic transformation of its Southern Neighbourhood through the European Neighbourhood Policy. The rapid launch of concrete projects within the Union for the Mediterranean can contribute to this process.
„Today’s meeting coincided with the first free elections held in Tunisia: a major milestone in the Arab Spring,” declared President Van Rompuy.
The European Council looks forward to the formation of a broad-based government in Libya. This North African country can now turn a page in its history and embrace a new democratic future.
„We also expressed our grave concern over the continuing brutality against the civilian population in Syria. If this repression does not come to an end, the European Union will impose further restrictive measures against the regime”, continued Herman Van Rompuy.
The European Council supports a democratic, pluralist and stable Egypt as a key partner to the EU. It is, however, concerned about the recent tragic clashes in Egypt and underlines the importance of the protection of freedom of religion or belief.
Iran is a matter of concern, both in relation to the violations of human rights and the expansion of the country’s nuclear and missile programmes. The EU hopes to arrive at a long-term solution to the nuclear issue with Iran. It is ready to prepare new restrictions in the case of non-cooperation.
More information:
Council conclusions (pdf)
Remarks by Herman Van Rompuy following the European Council (pdf)
