Algeria signed the Barcelona declaration on 28 November 1995, and has been a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership since that time. The partnership covers three broad areas, political and security co-operation; economic and financial co-operation and social, cultural and humanitarian co-operation.
The overall objectives are the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights, sustainable and balanced economic and social development, effective measures to combat poverty and the promotion of greater understanding between cultures. A primary goal is to create a Euro-Med zone of peace, prosperity and free trade through the implementation of Euro-Med Association Agreements between the EU and each Med Partner initially, extending to agreements between the Med Countries themselves as circumstances permit. Agreements have been concluded by the EU with Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, interim agreement. The target date for the realisation of a regional free trade area is 2010.
Ireland places a high value on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership as a gradually evolving forum for the cultivation of regional stability and prosperity and inter-cultural harmony. During our EU presidency and since, we have played an active role in advancing the Barcelona Process.
We have held continuing discussions with our EU partners concerning the human rights situation in Algeria, which is a major focus of our relationship with that country, and remains a serious cause of concern. As part of its dialogue, the EU has encouraged necessary reforms, modernisation and improvements in human rights, and has offered constructive assistance through the partnership. In this partnership dialogue, Ireland has sought to maintain a strong focus on human rights and the promotion of the role of civil society.