#EuroMediterraneanAssembly fixes its permanent seat in Rome

"We need to work together to re-launch the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly for it to play a key role in the stability of the Mediterranean, starting with Libya, where we should support the process towards elections and the strengthening of the Libyan state.

"I want to thank Vice President of the European Parliament David Sassoli for leading the process for the Euro-Mediterranean Assembly to establish a permanent seat for its secretariat.

"The choice of Rome responds to all the criteria of quality and effectiveness requested by the Assembly itself and hence strengthens the Assembly and its mission," declared President Tajani following the Euromed Bureau meeting decision to establish its seat in Rome.

"The decision to set up the Euromed Permanent Secretariat in Rome is a success of the Presidency of the European Parliament and a great opportunity for the re-launch of Mediterranean policy.

"We need to strengthen the dialogue between the countries of the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean to face the great challenges we face: immigration, security, economic growth.

"I thank all the candidate countries offering to welcome the headquarters of the Secretariat and we salute the choice of Rome with the certainty that it will seize this opportunity," declared Vice President Sassoli

The European Parliament intends to promote a series of initiatives to relaunch the dialogue on the Mediterranean. The Assembly will be invited to the Libya conference scheduled to be held in the European Parliament on 10 October. An event in Jordan on refugees and asylum corridors is in planning stage together with another event in Rome on the rights of children and unaccompanied minors. The European Parliament and the Assembly will also promote an initiative on the completion of a free trade union among the Mediterranean countries.