Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken

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Aan de Voorzitter van de VasteCommissie voor BuitenlandseZaken van de TweedeKamerderStaten-Generaal Binnenhof4 Den Haag Directie Westelijk Halfrond Bezuidenhoutseweg 67 Postbus 20061 2500 EB Den Haag
Datum 7 juni 2002 Behandeld drs. J.W.G. Jansing
Kenmerk DWH/NM-090/02 Telefoon 31-71-348.51.13
Blad /4 Fax 31-70-348.57.48

Bijlage(n) - "Political declaration" "Assessment report" "EU-LAC common values and positions" E-Mail J.W.G. Jansing@minbuza.nl
Betreft Verslag EU-LAC Top te Madrid, 17 mei 2002 Zeer geachte Voorzitter,

Graag bied ik u hierbij, mede namens de Minister-President, het verslag aan van de EU-LAC Top die op 17 mei 2002 te Madrid plaatsvond.

Deze tweede bijeenkomst van de EU-lidstaten met de landen van Latijns-Amerika en het Caribisch gebied - de eerste EU-LAC Top vond in 1999 plaats te Rio de Janeiro - stond in het teken van de versterking van de politieke, economisch een sociale samenwerking.

Voorts vonden separate bijeenkomsten plaats met respectievelijk de Mercosur-, Andes- en Midden-Amerikaanse landen.

Aan de bijeenkomst namen voor Nederland de Minister-President en ikzelf deel. De aanwezigheid van het overgrote deel van regeringsleiders en ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken van de EU-lidstaten en de LAC-landen kan worden uitgelegd als een politiek signaal dat het belang van een nauwe samenwerking tussen beide regio's door alle partijen wordt onderschreven.

De Top resulteerde in een 'Political declaration' (ook wel 'Madrid declaration' genoemd), waarin onder meer expliciete aandacht is gegeven aan de situatie in Argentinië, Columbia en Haïti, alsmede het grensconflict Guatemala-Belize.

Naast deze politieke verklaring heeft de top eveneens een "Assesment Report" aangenomen waarin de vooruitgang sinds Rio wordt beschreven alsmede een document over "Common values and positions" waain nader wordt ingegaan op de eerder genoemde verklaring.

En marge van de Top is tevens eens associatie-akkoord met Chili getekend.

Politiek

Nederland en de EU hebben ingezet op versterking van de samenwerking in multilateraal kader tussen beide regio´s, met name in het kader van de VN. Hierover is in de "Political declaration" een tekst opgenomen die uitdrukking geeft aan deze doelstelling.

De Top heeft voorts een duidelijk signaal afgegeven inzake het grote belang van de voortgaande strijd tegen het terrorisme, alhoewel de LAC-landen hieraan een minder hoge prioriteit gaven dan de EU.

Hieraan gerelateerd is uitgesproken dat beide regio´s groot belang hechten aan een integrale aanpak in de strijd tegen de internationale drugscriminaliteit. Referte in dit verband de aandacht geschonken aan Colombia.

Nederland heeft voorts ingezet op maritieme samenwerking in de Caribische regio. In het "assesment report", waarin de vorderingen na Rio worden geëvalueerd, is de concept-overeenkomst inzake maritieme samenwerking in de Caribische regio (tot stand gekomen op Aruba), als positief en concreet resultaat bestempeld.

Tot slot is een breed scala aan thema´s aan de orde geweest die uitdrukking geven aan de politieke gelijkgezindheid van beide partners. Dit varieert van ontwapenings- tot milieuvraagstukken.

Economisch

Centraal thema tijdens de eigenlijk Top alsmede tijdens de bijeenkomsten met de Mercosur-, Andes en Midden-Amerikaanse landen vormde de verdere versterking van de handels- en investeringsrelaties tussen beide regio's.

Mercosur:

De EU is reeds een heel eind op weg wat betreft de economische samenwerking met Mercosur. De verwachting is dat in de komende jaren verdere vooruitgang zal worden geboekt, welke zal leiden tot een vrijhandelsakkoord. Mercosur wenste als 'deadline' hiervoor het jaar 2005. De EU is echter van mening dat een deadline contraproductief werk. Uiteindelijk is in de 'Madrid declaration' opgenomen dat de onderhandelingen over een vrijhandelsakkoord 'zo spoedig mogelijk dienen te worden afgerond'.

Andes en Midden Amerika:
Ook deze groepen landen streven naar associatie- en dus ook vrijhandelsakkoorden met de EU. De EU is echter van mening dat in het licht van het WTO-Doha proces en gezien de stand van ontwikkeling en integratie in de betreffende regio´s het niet opportuun is om nu reeds harde afspraken te maken over vrijhandelsakkoorden. Bij dit alles dient in aanmerking te worden genomen dat de Europese Commissie al sinds het aantreden van Prodi geen nieuwe onderhandelingsprocessen over vrijhandelsverdragen heeft gestart. Aangezien thans sprake is van een nieuwe generatie akkoorden, die veel verder gaan dan het simpel verlagen van tarieven, is het noodzakelijk om eerst de voorwaarden voor dergelijke akkoorden te scheppen. Commissaris Lamy heeft dit nog eens zeer duidelijk uiteengezet tijdens de EU-San José dialoog op zaterdag 18 mei jl. De aandacht zal vooralsnog gaan naar samenwerking bij het versterken van de politiek-economische basis. Wel is zicht geboden op het opzetten van vrijhandelszones in de toekomst.

Uiteraard is voorts ruime aandacht geschonken aan handelsliberalisering op mondiaal niveau c.q. het Doha proces, duurzame ontwikkeling - Monterrey en Johannesburg - en milieubescherming.

De EU-LAC Top heeft tot slot de invoering van de EURO toegejuicht als positief element voor grotere transparantie in de economische relaties tussen beide groepen landen. Ook is erkend dat de EURO kan bijdragen aan de groei van handel en investeringen in de EU en de LAC-landen.

Sociaal, cultureel, onderwijs

Nederland heeft sinds de Top in Rio ingezet op versterking van de samenwerking op het terrein van de sociale zekerheid. Hiertoe heeft Nederland het initiatief genomen tot een EU-LAC technische conferentie in Den Haag, april jl. Deze conferentie heeft een belangrijke bijdrage geleverd aan de ministeriele EU-LAC conferentie inzake sociale zekerheid, die later in de maand april in Valencia plaatsvond. Het belang van samenwerking op het gebied van sociale zekerheid krijgt expliciete aandacht in het "assesment report".

Speciale vermelding verdient dat de Minister-President tijdens de discussieronde over sociaal-culturele zaken expliciet aandacht heeft gevraagd voor duurzaamheid in de context van globalisering. Hij pleitte ervoor om het begrip duurzaamheid zo breed mogelijk te definiëren. Een integrale benadering. Ook vroeg hij in dit verband aandacht voor solidariteit tussen generaties; hoe dragen we de wereld over aan nieuwe generaties' was voor MP een kernvraag.

De tweede EU-LAC Top heeft al met al weliswaar geen spectaculaire resultaten opgeleverd op een van de drie genoemde samenwerkingsterreinen, maar wel een waardevolle bijdrage geleverd aan consolidatie van hetgeen eerder is bereikt. Ten aanzien van een aantal samenwerkingsdossiers is duidelijk vooruitgang geboekt.

Op politiek niveau is opnieuw bevestigd dat beide regio´s veel gemeen hebben en op basis van deze gemeenschappelijkheid de samenwerking op mondiaal niveau verder te intensiveren.. Hiertoe is een verdieping van de samenwerking op de diverse terreinen wenselijk.

Op handels-economisch gebied is de opportuniteit van voortzetting van de onderhandelingen met Mercosur benadrukt, waarbij een specifieke basis is geschapen voor associatie-akkoorden met de Andes-landen en met Centraal Amerika.

Nederland heeft vooral aandacht gevraagd én gekregen voor projecten op het gebied sociale zekerheid en maritieme samenwerking. Het laatste maakt onderdeel uit van een integrale aanpak van de drugbestrijding in het Caribisch gebied, een regio waar het Koninkrijk een belangrijke presentie heeft met de Antillen en Aruba.

De Minister van Buitenlandse Zaken

Political Declaration

THE MADRID COMMITMENT

We, the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and of Latin America and the Caribbean, meeting in Madrid, are committed to advancing our bi-regional strategic partnership based on the Declaration and the Plan of Action adopted at the First Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1999. Our history and culture, together with the values andprinciples we share, are the basis of this privileged relationship and our common approach to the main international issues.

We need to face together the seriouschallenges andseize the opportunities of the twenty-first century. In a spirit of mutual respect, equality and solidarity, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and nurture the processes of modernisation in our societies taking into account the importance of sustainable development, poverty eradication, cultural diversity, justice and social equity. We believe that furthering our integration processes and increasing trade and investment are important means of enhancing access to the benefits of globalisation.

Therefore, to develop a solid bi-regional strategic partnership and as a result of our discussions today, we undertake the following commitments:

In the political field


1. To strengthen the multilateral system on the basis of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

2. To reinforce our democratic institutions and the rule of law, we will strengthen judicial systems ensuring equal treatment under the law and promoting and protecting respect for human rights.

3. Towelcome the imminent establishment and effective functioning of the International Criminal Court, and to seek universal adherence to the Rome Statute.


4. To combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations - which threatens our democratic systems, liberties and development, as well as internationalpeace and security - in accordance with the UN Charter and with full respect for international law, including human rights and humanitarian law provisions. We are committed to strengthening our political, legal and operational co-operation mechanisms, and to promote the conclusion of, and adherence to, all international conventions relating to terrorism and the implementation of UN resolutions on the matter.


5. To strengthen our co-operation to combat the scourges of illicit drugs and related crimes, corruption and organised crime, by enhancing co-ordination mechanisms, combating the sources of funding of drug production and trafficking, and preventing their use in the financing of terrorism and criminal activities world-wide.


6. To eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and in this regard to work together in the implementation of the commitments of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in the World Conference of 2001.


7. To promote gender equality and the empowerment of women as a general policy and as an effective means of combating poverty and achieving sustainable and equitable development.


8. To promote and protect the well being of each child in accordance with the document "A World Fit for Children" agreed at the UN special session on Children (New York, 8-10 May 2002).


9. To reinforce bi-regional political dialogue in international fora and consultations in the UN system and in major UN Conferences on the main questions of the international agenda.


10. We reject the repeated violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by illegal groups in Colombia, and condemn terrorist attacks and kidnappings, including those in recent days. We also support the search for a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.

11. To give every encouragement to Guatemala and Belize as they seek to work towards a peaceful, honourable and definitive settlement of their territorial dispute through the facilitation process under the auspices of the OAS.


12. To call on all parties concerned by the political crisis in Haiti to increase their efforts to reinforce democracy and to create the conditions conducive to an early and full resumption of co-operation between Haiti and the international community, in order to stop the deterioration of the living standards of the Haitian people.

In the economic field


13. To increase efforts in our bi-regional co-operation and to promote economic growth to combat poverty through, inter alia, the strengthening of our democratic institutions, macroeconomic stability, the closing of the technological gap, wider access to, and better quality of, education, health care and social protection. In this respect we will co-operate in areas such as improving the efficiency of public institutions, furthering regional integration processes; encouraging dynamism in the small and medium size enterprises sector; and fostering infrastructural development. We encourage the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, to put forward initiatives and inform the bi-regional mechanisms.


14. To address the challenges faced by small economies and in particular by small island developing states.


15. To promote trade and investment flows for sustainable economic growth and the equitable distribution of their benefits through a more open, secure, non-discriminatory and transparent legal and entrepreneurial environment.


16. We express our satisfaction with the conclusion of the negotiations of an Association Agreement between the European Union and Chile. This new achievement adds to the first Association Agreement between our two regions, which gave a clear impetus to political, trade and investment, and co-operation relations between the European Union and Mexico.

We emphasise our commitment to the ongoing negotiations between the EU and MERCOSUR and note in this context that the political, institutional and co-operation chapters are virtually completed.We welcome the progress made so far on the trade and commercial chapters and the adoption of the package of trade facilitation measures, and are confident that both parties will continue to make substantive further progress with a view to successfully conclude the negotiation process as soon as possible.

17. We welcome the decisionof the Caribbean along with the other Member States of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group to formally launch in September 2002 Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations with the European Union in the framework of the Cotonou Agreement. We welcome the new initiatives to negotiate political and co-operation Agreements between the EU and Central America and between the EU and the Andean Community as well as the decision to strengthen co-operation on trade, investments and economic relations. The achievement of the objectives of such agreements and the strengthening of co-operation should establish conditions under which, building on the outcome of the Doha Work Programme, which we have committed to complete by the end of 2004, feasible and mutually beneficial Association Agreements, including FTA, could be negotiated between the EU and Central America and between the EU and the Andean Community.

18. We welcome and support the present efforts of the Argentinean authorities to complete a sound and comprehensive economic programme, which shall enable successful negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and other financial organisations. The Argentinean authorities have our support to achieve this goal in order to overcome the present situation this nation is undergoing.


19. To work expeditiously on the Doha Work Programme in order to achieve further trade liberalisation and the clarification, improvement and strengthening of multilateral rules, as applicable, with a view to ensuring that the V Ministerial Conference in Mexico paves the way for the successful conclusion of the negotiations foreseen in the Doha Declaration, by the end of 2004. We underline in this regard the importance of the development provisions of the Doha Declaration, including the implementation of the work programme on special and differential treatment to help the integration of developing countries into the world economy.


20. To work together to contribute to the success of the World Summit on Sustainable Development to be held in Johannesburg in August 2002. We look forward to an action oriented outcome which contains both global commitments to sustainable development and partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector, and which reaffirms the commitments made at the Rio Conference in 1992 and the implementation of Agenda 21.

21. To work together to protect the environment with particular emphasis on the modification of unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, the conservation of biological diversity, the global ecosystem and the sustainable use of natural resources. We will work to achieve universal ratification and the entry into force of the Kyoto protocol at the earliest possible stage.


22. To act on the commitments agreed at the Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development, especially by mobilising international and domestic resources, putting in place internal and international enabling environments for poverty reduction, substantially increasing co-operation for development, and by pursuing relief measures to deal with the problem of unsustainable external debt in developing countries. We will also press for the full implementation of the Monterrey consensus.

23. To improve the functioning of the global financial system taking into account the concerns of developing countriesand to actively participate in ongoing international efforts to reform the international financial system.

24. To promote the speedy and effective implementation of the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, noting that some developing countries are also creditors.


25. To welcome the introduction of the Euro, whose contribution to the increased transparency of our economic relations is fully recognised; to acknowledge the potential contribution of the Euro to further stimulate trade and investment growth between the two regions.

26. To firmly reject all measures of unilateral character and with extraterritorial effect, which are contrary to international law and the commonly accepted rules of free trade. We agreed that this type of practice poses a serious threat to multilateralism.


27. To work together to develop Information Society by enhancing access to information and communication technologies and to seize the opportunities provided by these technologies in priority areas such as their application in government services.

Co-operation in the cultural, education, scientific, technological, social and human fields


28. To preserve our capabilities to develop, promote and respect cultural diversity.


29. To create more opportunities in our regions for education, culture and access to knowledge as keys to success in the twenty-first century. We encourage the strengthening of the ongoing Alfa Programme for institutional co-operation in the field of higher education. We also welcome the @LIS programme for the development of the Information Society, as well as a new similar interlinked programme for the Caribbean, and the new EU Scholarship Programme with Latin America.


30. To recommend the development, approval and promotion of the 2002-2004 Action Plan for building a European Union - Latin America and Caribbean Common Area of Higher Education.


31. To carry out an integrated analysis of the different issues of migration between our regions, which has brought and continuous to bring great benefits to both, to implement solutions and to guarantee the full respect of the fundamental rights of migrant workers and their families, in accordance with international law and national legislation.

32. To combat HIV/AIDS through programmes of prevention, treatment and support, in particular in the countries most affected, bearing in mind the right to adequate levels of health care and the need to promote greater access to medicines.


33. To co-operate in the promotion of preparedness for natural disasters and the mitigation of their consequences.


34.

We welcome the satisfactory results and proposals of the EU-LAC Ministerial meetings on Higher Education (Paris, 3-4 November 2000), Science and Technology (Brasilia, 21-22 March 2002), Information Society (Sevilla, 26-27 April 2002) and Social Security (Valencia, 14-15 May 2002), which represent a meaningful contribution to the building of the bi-regional strategic partnership.

We approve the Assessment report and adoptthe document on Common Values and Positions.

We mandate the bi-regional mechanisms to continue to monitor the follow-up to the Summits with the support, as applicable, of the international financial institutions involved in bi-regional co-operation programmes. In this context, a meeting of the Senior Officials will be held, during the second semester of 2002, to discuss the follow-up of the Madrid Summit. The meeting should include a discussion, inter alia, on the objectives and expected results of the bi-regional meeting on Co-operation to be held in Costa Rica before the end of 2002.

We gratefully accept the invitation to hold the Third EU-LAC Summit in Mexico in 2004.

We express our deep gratitude to the Government and people of Spain for all their courtesy and support, which ensured the successful conclusion of the Madrid Summit.

Madrid, 17 May 2002

Assessment Report
I. Introduction


1. The changes in both regions in the '90s and a mutual interest in establishing an overall framework for bi-regional relations led to the first Summit between Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union (28 and 29 June 1999). At the conclusion of the Summit the Heads of State or Government issued two documents: the Rio de Janeiro Declaration and Priorities for Action. The first document, a 69-point declaration, established the general principles of relations between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean; the second identified 55 priorities in the political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific, technological, social and human fields.


2. The Heads of State and Government also decided to establish a bi-regional group at a Senior Official level. The Group, which would "meet regularly", was asked to "monitor and encourage the achievement of the priorities for action, from a political viewpoint, and with the objective of contributing, on the basis of existing mechanisms, towards global dialogue with a view to strengtheningthe strategic bi-regional partnership" in all its dimensions.

3. Latin America and the Caribbean share deep historic, cultural and political roots with Europe, which facilitate the development of a real strategic partnership.


4. These shared roots and values have created important ties in terms of identity and solidarity and have encouraged the promotion of a greater exchange of experiences and a joining of efforts to face common problems. Some examples of concerns facing both Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union are the need to modernise educational systems, to create a climatefavourable tosustainable and inclusive development and to encourage effective co-ordination and international governance mechanisms. Promotion of a strategic partnership is not based solely on historical, cultural and political identity, but is also the result of a common interest in turning principles, values and objectives into practical mechanisms for dialogue and co-operation so that both regions can cope better with the considerable challenges of the new century.


5. The entry into force of the Association Agreement with Mexico in October 2000, the conclusion of the negotiations for an Association Agreement with Chile and the progress of negotiations for an association agreement with Mercosur represent part of the efforts to build a strategic association. A furthersignificant factor has been the new EU initiative to negotiate political and co-operation Agreements with the Central American and the Andean countries as well as the decision to strengthen co-operation on trade, investment and economic relations. The achievement of the objectives of such agreements and the strengthening of co-operation should establish conditions under which, building on the outcome of the Doha Work Programme, which we have committed to complete by the end of 2004, feasible and mutually beneficial Association Agreements, including FTA, could be negotiated between the EU and Central America and between the EU and the Andean Community.In the framework of the Cotonou Agreement signed with the ACP countries, the European Union and the Caribbean states have pledged themselves to a renewed partnership. The new partnership will cover the political, trade and co-operation fields and will aim at promoting a sustainable development and the gradual integration of these countries into the world economy. In this context, it is envisaged that negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements should start from September 2002.

6. These initiatives demonstrate the depth and scope of relations betweenLatin America and the Caribbean and the European Union and their efforts to focus on the political, economic and social concerns of citizens.

II. Current situation


1. Both regions have achieved important political and economic reforms in recent decades. In Latin America and the Caribbean, democratic processes havecontinued to consolidate, but economic problems, vulnerability to external shocks, the rise in poverty and social inequality still exist. The region hascarried out major economic reforms, consisting mainly of the adjustment of public finances, the unilateral liberalisation of foreign trade and the financial system, the privatisation of public enterprises, and the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as efforts to modernise public administration and the judicial system. In the case of the EU, member states have been implementing fiscal and monetary policies aiming at reducing budgetary deficits and inflation. These policies have led to a period of economic growth and job creation. The introduction of the Euro, the common currency that came into circulation a few months ago, is a significant and tangible demonstration of European economic co-operation. Important progress has alsobeen made towards completion ofthe current enlargement process, which remains one of the EU priorities in the next years. A Convention on the future of the European Unionhas been mandated by the European Council of Laeken(Belgium) to propose the institutional changes necessaryto cope with the consequences of enlargement. The EU has also strengthened its common foreign and security policy, in particular by developing a European security and defence policy, which is now operational.

The integration process of the Mercosur state parties has made progress both internally, through political and social co-ordination, integration in infrastructure and, the continuation of its trade dynamic, as well as through external negotiations. Recently, the state parties have confirmed their will to deepen their integration process, in particular through macroeconomic co-ordination for the economic and financial stability in the region and convergence towards established goals. The institutional framework was improved with the signature of the Protocol of Olivos (Argentina) for Dispute Settlement, which mainly establishes a Permanent Tribunal for Review, in Asuncion (Paraguay).

The Andean Community has achieved notable progress in its integration. The recent Summit in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) reaffirmed the commitments to establish a Single Market with a Free Trade Area beginning 1 June 2002 and a common external tariff from 31 December 2003. The Andean Community has also agreed to consolidate a common foreign policy, which includes an Andean Co-operation Plan in the fight against illicit drugs, the immediate implementation of a common agricultural policy, the harmonisation of macroeconomic policies in a two years term and a common strategy for the social and political agenda approved during the current year.

In the Caribbean priority has also been given to accelerating integration of the economies through the creation of a single market and economy among the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the conclusion of bilateral trade and economic co-operation agreements and, the consolidation of the geopolitical space of the wider Caribbean through the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

A priority for Central American countries is a regional integration based on the consolidation of the democratic systems, sustainable economic opening and the human development of its population. Among the main achievements the following can be underlined: the creation of institutionalised integration bodies; the strengthening of regional security; the deepening of economic integration, progress towards a regional free trade area and the establishment of a Customs Union; and, the co-ordination of macroeconomic policies and the creation of a Commercial Controversies Solution Mechanism.

All these integration mechanisms have initiated numerous and dynamic relationships, both among themselves as between the different countries in the region, thus enriching the strengthening of dialogue and co-operation in Latin America and the Caribbean. For instance, the Mercosur, Bolivia and Chile presidential Summit held in Olivos (Argentina) on 18 February 2002, recalled the interest of the parties in concluding negotiations between Mercosur and the Andean Community for the establishment of a free trade area between both regional blocks before June 2002.


2. The EU and the LAC are regions with different economic and social characteristics. The population of the LAC is almost double that of the EU and is mostly young. LAC per capita average GDP stands at around $ US 3 000, as against slightly over $ US 20 000 in the EU.


3. The bi-regional market continues to offer many opportunities for trade. On the one hand, EU exports to the LAC increased from approximately 17 billion EUR in 1990 to 54 billion EUR in 2000, although its market share dropped from 21.4% to 13% during the same period. LAC exports to the EU, on the other hand, increased from approximately 27 billion EUR in 1990 to 48 billion EUR in 2000 though this represented 12.1% of total LAC exports in 2000 as compared to 24 % in 1990.


4. Moreover, the total accumulated stock of foreign direct investment by the EU, first investor in the region, rose from approximately 66 billion EUR in 1997 to 122 billion EUR in 1999, representing almost 11 % of total EU FDIs, and is strongly contributing to economic activity and the creation of jobs in LAC. It reflects the commitment and confidence of EU business in LAC. However, the situation in the LAC is not uniform. Thus, though there has been a significant overall increase in FDI, there is scope for further improvement in both large and small LAC economies.

III. Co-operation between Rio and Madrid


1. The 55 priorities agreed at the Rio Summit are still valid. The Senior Officials at their meeting in Tuusula (Finland) in November 1999 defined 11 key areas for action. This does not mean that at any given time the priorities might not be necessary or might even increase depending on the circumstances and interests of the time in both regions and mindful of the Rio Summit Action Plan. A positive step in the relationship between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union has been the establishment of a flexible structure, which does not limit co-operation actions or programmes to a few areas, but leaves a sufficiently broad margin for manoeuvre, giving the relationship a genuine bi-regional nature.

2. The "bi-regional" nature of the actions is by definition flexible in order to determine how to build links between our regions. Bi-regional activities in the framework of the EU-LAC Summit are understood to be those originating in one or various EU members states or in the European Commission or in one or various LAC countries or in one of their integration organisations involving the participation of various countries (more than one country) of both regions. These activities shall contribute to the strengthening of the bi-regional strategic partnership. The actions that need to be promoted are essentially those that have a multiplier effect in other regions or sub-regions.


3. Several initiatives have already been launched,includingpolitical undertakings, training activities, conferences and seminars. Other initiatives and activities await solution of operational or financial nature.A good number of initiatives have been undertaken by civil society entities, often with public financing, the results of which are being transmitted to the Summit and represent a meaningful contribution to the building of a strategic partnership.


4. Progress has been recorded in the 11 key areas agreed in Tuusula (Finland) and Vilamoura (Portugal). In some areas co-ordination and monitoring mechanisms have been established and high-level meetings involving both parties have been organised. The main actions undertaken within such priorities are the following (for more details on the 11 priorities, see the annex to this document).


· Political dialogue

Both regions have continued their fruitful political dialogue within the framework of existing mechanisms.

In addition, the EU and LAC have agreed to strengthen political dialogue in international fora and decided to reinforce consultations at bi-regional level in the UN system beginning with the UN fora in New York, Geneva and Vienna and in major UN Conferences, as well as in Brussels.

· Promotion of human rights

Several meetings have been held at bi-regional level, with the participation of institutions and human rights organisations, with a view to an exchange of experiences in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights. Special mention should be made of the following initiatives: the bi-regional conference on the Work and Co-operation of Ombudsman and National Human rights institutions held on 24 and 25 September 2001 in Copenhagen; a seminar on the historical origins of the Human Rights doctrine held on 22 and 23 February 2002 in Rome; and a Human Rights Forum held on 23 and 24 April in Madrid.

At the Ombudsman Conference in Copenhagen it was proposed to present at the Madrid Summit the Conference report and a Comparative Study on the Work of Ombudsman and National Human Rights Institutions. In addition it was proposed to establish a Special Fund to support the exchange of experiences between the EU and LAC institutions, taking into account the ongoing co-operation in this field and associating those countries of both regions willing to participate.


· The environment and natural disasters

World-wide much progress has been made in adopting measures to protect the environment, but the state of the world's environment is still fragile and the protection measures for sustainable development are far from sufficient. Even though the EU and its member states and states from Latin America and the Caribbean are among the main protagonists in promoting international environmental awareness, sustainable development protection and natural disaster relief efforts, a lot remains to be done in both regions.

States from both regions are among the most innovative and consistent contributors to the preparatory process that is leading up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)in Johannesburg later this year. They are also the most substantial contributors to programmes for the protection and sustainablemanagement of the Amazon rain forests. European and Latin American and Caribbean countries were able to reach an effective bi-regional understanding which proved to be crucial for the breakthrough at the Bonn Conference on International Climate Change and is putting the ratification process of the Kyoto Protocol back on track.

Likewise, the European Union and its member states and Latin American and Caribbean states showed solidarity in its most practical form in the wake of first El Niño and later Hurricane Mitch and the devastating earth quake in El Salvador. Immediate aftermath relief efforts were centred on disaster mitigation and have since been directed towards disaster prevention and reconstruction.

Among the proposals presented in this field, particular mention should be made to:


· the establishment of a Board of public bodies responsible for civil protection and of an the inventory of existing resources and, thepreparation of guidelines for international co-operation in the event of natural disasters;


· the launch of a regional project for the development of meteorological system in the Caribbean, together with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This will improve the climate observation network, the communication system between Small Island Developing States and technical and scientific skills in the area.


· Implementation of the Panama and Barbados Action Plans to combat drugs
The Panama Action Plan, adopted in Panama City in April 1999 and ratified in the Rio Summit in June 1999, established the framework of the Co-operation and Co-ordination Mechanism between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Mechanism acts under the principles of shared responsibility, global approach and non-interference in states sovereignty. The Action Plan includes among its fields of activity: demand reduction; supply reduction; police, customs and judicial co-operation and illicit drugs related arms trafficking; money laundering; judicial organisation and drug legislation; and, institutional capacity building. The Mechanism meets at political level once a year.

At the Fourth High Level Meeting of the EU-LAC Co-operation and Co-ordination Mechanism against drugs, which took place in Madrid on 7 and 8 March 2002, both regions reached a consensus on the importance of strengthening the co-operation and co-ordination actions within the mechanism. A technical policy-oriented evaluation of the bi-regional mechanism was also approved. The relationship between terrorism and drug trafficking was highlighted as well as the convenience of institutional strengthening for the appropriate development of national policies on drugs.

Regarding the Caribbean region, the Barbados Plan of action was launched in 1996 as an instrument of drugs co-operation between the European Union and the Caribbean region. In December 2001 a review of the progress was made in this framework of co-operation and the way to move forward was undertaken. An important result of the co-ordinated action within this framework is a draft agreement on maritime co-operation in the Caribbean.

· Promotion of trade, including SMEs and other business fora
The dialogue on trade related matters has been strengthened. A great convergence of views exists on the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system and to make progress in the WTO through the conclusion of the trade round launched at Doha. The First LAC/EU Business Summit was held in Madrid on 20 and 21 November 2000. The Second Business Summit was held in Mexico on 25 and 26 April 2002; its conclusions were sent to the Summit. These business meetings combine with public action taken by Governments to promote trade. Both regions recognise the importance of maintaining structured and regular dialogue on multilateral trade matters.

Two Forums on "Development of SME's, Politics and Instruments for SME's promotion" were organised. The first meeting took place in Verona on 31 January to 2 February 2000 and the second in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 6 and 7 May 2002, whose conclusions were presented to the Summit.

· Co-operation in education and university studies
The Heads of State and Government considered in the Rio Summit that co-operation on Higher Education should be one of the priorities for action in order to intensify the excellent relations between both regions. To fulfil this mandate the first Latin America and Caribbean/EU Ministerial Conference on Higher Education was held in Paris on 3 and 4 November 2000. It was agreed that France, the country at that time presiding over the Council of the EU, and Spain would co-ordinate work for the European side for a period of four years, while Brazil, Mexico and Saint Christopher-Nevis will look after co-ordination for the Latin American and Caribbean countries and together would form a Follow-up Committee.

As a result of the work of this Committee an ambitious 2002/2004 Action Plan for building an European Union - Latin America and Caribbean Common Area of Higher Education has been presented. The Plan defines two main objectives: (i) evaluation of quality, and (ii) mobility, and proposes several concrete initiatives, which will be developed on the basis of voluntary participation by interested countries. An evaluation and revision report on these actions will be prepared for the Ministerial Conference in 2004.

· Science and technology

In the context of the Senior Officials meeting of Latin America and Caribbean-EU Science & Technology Co-operation (ALCUE SOM) in Lisbon on 5 and 6 June 2000, a bi-regional working group was set up in the field of scientific research and technology (S&T). This working group agreed to organise six workshops to allow the S&T community of both regions to define the thematic priorities for co-operation in the following S&T areas: i) Healthy Societies and Quality of Life ii) Competitive Growth in the Global Environment iii) Sustainable Development and Urbanisation iv) Cultural Heritage v) Information Society vi) Cross-cutting Issues. These six workshops took place in the Latin America and Caribbean region and mobilised more than 130 scientists and policy makers from both regions in November 2001 and January 2002. The main outputs from this workshops, together with the documents - ALCUE's Shared Vision Paper and ALCUE's Plan of Action - produced in the SOM's held in Bruges (Belgium) in December 2001 and in Brasilia (Brazil) on 21 and 22 March 2002, were approved by the ALCUE S&T Ministers at their meeting in Brasilia (Brazil) on 21 and 22 March 2002.

· Information Society

The Ministerial meeting on Information Society between the EU and the Latin American and Caribbean countries, was held on 25-27 April 2002 in Seville (Spain). This meeting, which was attended by representatives of Governments and regulatory Authorities, private sector and the civil society, pursued the bi-regional dialogue in this field and formally launched the new @LIS (Alliance for the Information Society) Co-operation Programme with Latin America, as a follow up of the Rio de Janeiro Summit. It also prepared a contribution to the Madrid Summit. A technical "@LIS Forum" was held in Rio de Janeiro on 21-22 November 2001, where detailed priorities, methods of co-operation and objectives were agreed. The Caribbean has indicated that it wishes to participate in @LIS.


· Regional co-operation and integration in the Caribbean
Though not specifically originating in the EU-LAC initiative, a number of bi-regional co-operation programmes in the key areas for action defined in Tuusula on November 1999 have been developed under the second financial protocol of the IV Lomé Convention with the Caribbean region. In this framework, programmes have been financed in third level education, drugs control, trade development and health, AIDS in particular. A third Seminar is scheduled to take place in Rome (Italy) next autumn, as a follow up to the seminar on "E-Government, Information and Communication Technologies in Public Sector Management" held in Montego Bay (Jamaica) on December 2001.

· Social security

A technical conference took place in The Hague (Netherlands) and a Ministerial conference in Valencia (Spain), with a view to an exchange of experiences in the field of social security systems. These meetings concluded that well designed, functioning and lasting social protection systems could constitute productive resources that contribute to economic development and social cohesion. Moreover, the need was recognised for further exchange of expertise and experiences in order to enhance new and innovative approaches to adapt to the changing social, demographic and economic conditions.


1. Both regions should bear in mind the need to assume greater commitments so that the bi-regional strategic partnership can be implemented in practice through, among others, practical co-ordination mechanisms. Further action is necessary to strengthen political dialogue, economic exchanges and development co-operation as defined in the Rio Summit Action Plan as well as in the 11 priorities of Tuusula.

IV. Final Comments


1. The common values uniting both regions and the strong cultural and political links that exist shouldenable progress towards a stronger and more dynamicstrategic partnership between the EU and the Caribbean. One area with enormous potential is the strengthening of the political dialogue in international fora.


2. In this respect the projects presented in relation to the priorities defined in Rio and Tuusula should have a preferential bi-regional nature as defined in paragraph 12. Such projects should, in addition, have a real impact on the economic and social situation in Latin America and in the Caribbean. This should not, moreover, prevent progress from being achieved in sub-regional or even bilateral projects.


3. The bi-regional strategic partnership should draw up an agenda to permit the development of dialogue between the two regions in areas of mutual interest, e.g. the strengthening of democracy and respect for Human rights, the environment, multilateral trade negotiations, reform of the UN and of the international financial system, including promotion of financing of development, eradication ofpoverty, disarmament, the combating of drugs and related crimes, as well as illegal traffic in light weapons, the fight against corruption and terrorism, the prevention of conflicts, the abolition of the death penaltyand the promotion of the International Criminal Court, and new technologies.


4. In the economic/commercial and co-operation sphere it is important to promote and pursue successfully, ongoingnegotiations on association agreements, and to effectively implement agreements already concluded and to strengthen our co-operation on trade, investment and economic relations.

5. Both regions should co-operate in areas related to trade in harmony with the WTO Ministerial Conference Declaration adopted in Doha in November 2001.

6. The progressive liberalisation of bi-regional trade, taking into account the special and different needs of smaller economies and other developing countries' economies, without however suggesting the creation of a new subcategory of countries, is an important step in the strengthening of the EU-LAC partnership.


7. The EU-LAC Summit has introduced a new concept of bi-regional co-operation between our countries. This entails the challenge of incorporating various countries (more than one) from each region in each new initiative but also of adjusting those initiatives to the priorities that have been established in the framework of the Summit. It is necessary that the co-operation budgets of each of our governments and/or institutionsallow for the possibility of financing those actions thatmeet the criteria for the new bi-regional co-operation. It is also necessary to look for new financial sources in the financial institutions of both regions, in particular the IDB and the EIB. Furthermore, the experience of the last three years has demonstrated the need for a regular follow up to our bi-regional co-operation, a task that could be pursued through periodical meetings at technical level.

17/05/2002

EU-LAC Common values & Positions

WORKING DOCUMENT


1. On the occasion of the Second Summit held in Madrid on 17 May 2002, we, the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and of Latin America and the Caribbean, reiterate our political will to consolidate the strategic partnership agreed at the First Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1999, which is based upon values and positions which are common to both regions. Our relationship is rooted in multiple shared interests as well as in ties of friendship between our people. The Madrid Summit has provided us with an opportunity to concrete and consolidate the bi-regional strategic partnership through juridical and institutional expressions, based on association agreements, partnership agreements and other mechanisms; a fruitful political dialogue; solid economic and financial relations supported by a progressive, equitable, and balanced liberalisation of trade and capital flows; and dynamic and constructive co-operation in the educational, scientific, technological, cultural, human and social fields with a view to giving our bi-regional relation a new dimension for the XXI century and to seizing the opportunities offered by and facing the challenges of an increasingly globalised world.


2. We, the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and of Latin America and the Caribbean, reiterate our respect for human rights. We are determined to persevere in the advancement of democratic processes, social justice and equity, modernisation efforts, trade liberalisation, structural reforms, as well as the equitable sharing of the benefits created by economic globalisation and by new technologies. We also reaffirm our intention to continue supporting sustainable development and progress made by the integration processes in both regions.


3. We underline our respect for the full compliance with International Law and the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of non-intervention and self-determination, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality among States, which together with the respect for human rights, the promotion of democracy and co-operation for economic and social development are the basis for the relations between our regions.

POLITICAL FIELD


4. Our bi-regional strategic partnership is being reinforced by deepening and widening our dialogue in international fora, particularly through political consultations in the United Nations fora and in major UN Conferences.


5. We consider it important to continue to strengthen democracy and consolidating democratic institutions that, inter alia, guarantee free, fair and participatory electoral processes based on universal suffrage and respect for the Rule of Law. We strongly support the principle that the national judicial systems should be independent and impartial. We believe that democracy, the Rule of Law and economic and social development are elements of fundamental importance for peace and stability.

6. We reaffirm our commitment for all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, and fundamental freedoms taking into account their universal, interdependent and indivisible character in accordance with the UN Charter and the human rights instruments agreed internationally, together with the 1993 Vienna Declaration on Human Rights and the Programme of Action.

7. We commit ourselves to further develop policies aimed at promoting respect for the dignity and well being of migrants, and to ensuring protection of their rights and those of their family. In addition we emphasise the need to protect the rights of all members of vulnerable groups of our society: children, young people, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, displaced persons, indigenous people and ethnic and religious minorities. We also reaffirm the need to achieve gender equality bearing in mind in particular the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action of the IV World Conference on Women of 1995 and the New Actions adopted by the Special Session of the UN General Assembly in 2000.

8. We welcome the adoption and express our commitment to the Declaration and the Programme of Action by the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 8 September 2001 and reaffirm the spirit of renewed political will and commitment to combat the scourge of racism, racial discrimination, Xenophobia and related intolerance for the benefit of the rights of individuals and members of groups at particular risk of discrimination.


9. We underline the importance and the contribution of civil society and the participation of citizens with a view to strengthening democracy, economic and social development and the respect, the promotion and protection of human rights. Both in the EU as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean, non-governmental organisations and other representatives of civil society is increasingly influential in the decision making process. In this regard we express our commitment to encouraging the interest and participation of the representatives of civil society in the political, economic and social processes of our countries, in the respective regional groupings and in our bi-regional relationship.


10. We recognise the importance of improving the international community's responsiveness to major humanitarian crises, consistent with the purposes and principles contained in the United Nations Charter.

11. We believe that collaboration between our Governments is vital to combat corruption in all its forms, since this serious problem erodes the legitimacy and functioning of institutions and represents a threat to democracy, society, the rule of law and development. We also reaffirm our support to future negotiations with a view to concluding a UN global convention to fight corruption.


12. We support national reconciliation processes and the efforts undertaken to that effect.


13. We condemn all crimes against humanity. We consider it important to strengthen co-operation in order to identify, detain, extradite and punish persons who are guilty of committing these heinous crimes. In this regard we recognise the great importance of international rules regarding the criminal responsibility of an individual who commits acts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, which are serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. We congratulate signatory states to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court for the efforts deployed in order to allow the entry into force of the Statute and we emphasise the importance of universal adherence to it.


14. We agree to strengthen policies that foster the public security of persons, according high priority to the fight against criminal activity in our societies and the distribution, trafficking and use of illicit arms and explosives, and to the elimination of all forms of organised crime. We need to join forces to fight all forms of organised transnational crime and related activities, such as the trade in persons, particularly women and children; infant trade, prostitution and pornography; and the illegal manufacturing and trade of firearms, munitions and other related materials and drug trafficking. We call for an early entry into force of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols.

15. We reaffirm our condemnation of the instigation, financing, organisation, execution and, in general, all kinds of participation in acts of terrorism, which constitute an attack against the security of persons and pose a threat to international peace and security. We consider that terrorism constitutes a serious criminal phenomenon that jeopardises the full enjoyment of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic values and threatens the security of the State, undermining the foundations of civil society and adversely affecting economic and social development.

16. We are determined to reinforce individual and joint actions against terrorism in all forms and manifestations, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and in compliance with the relevant human rights instruments. We are also determined to become party to and effectively implement all relevant international instruments, including the UN Convention on the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism. We recognise that increased co-operation is needed to prevent and suppress this scourge, in particular through the signature and ratification of the twelve international conventions relating to terrorism. All efforts should be made in order to reach a prompt conclusion of the negotiation of the draft of a Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism.


17. We reaffirm our full conviction that the fight against terrorism must respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

18. We also stress the need to fight the financing of terrorism and strengthen existing multilateral instruments in the field of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, which can make an essential contribution to the fight against terrorism.


19. We express our determination to take all necessary steps in order to ensure the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions on combating international terrorism, and in particular the UNGAR 49/60 of 17 February 1995 and the UNSCR 1373 of 28 September 2001.

20. We pledge to work together in the fight against bio-terrorism, strengthening the capacity of our countries to prepare for and respond to emergencies resulting from terrorist acts of biological, radiological and chemical nature, in order to protect the health of our people.

21. We recognise the world-wide nature of the drug problem sustained by its economic profitability, and agree to join efforts to dismantle all its components, including: the control of demand and supply, precursors, drug trafficking (of all drugs including synthetic ones), money laundering, arms trafficking and related crimes.


22. Within the framework of our strategic partnership, we commit ourselves to tackle the global drug problem under the principles of common and shared responsibility based on a global, comprehensive and balanced approach in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Political Declaration of the Special Session of the General Assembly on Drugs of 8 to 10 June 1998 and International Law. The Co-operation and Co-ordination Mechanism between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, of which the Barbados and the Panama Action Plans are part, should be used for the above purpose.


23. We support the decision adopted at the Fourth High Level Meeting of the EU-ALC Co-operation and Co-ordination Mechanism against Drugs, held in Madrid on 7 and 8 March 2002, to carry out an analysis and evaluation of achieved results.


24. We agree on the need to have an economic and social development policy for the affected regions in order to rebuild the communities that are dedicated to illicit crops and to ensure that, through their participation in sustainable alternative development, these communities can attain decent living standards.


25. We support the search for effective co-operation to avoid the appearance, reappearance and relocation of illicit crops to ecologically fragile regions or to other areas never before affected.

26. We highlight the importance of the multilateral strengthening of international legally binding and political instruments to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We are equally committed to the reinforcement of disarmament instruments in this field. We will continue to work together for the complete eradication of chemical and biological weapons. We underline the importance of strengthening the compliance with and the promotion of the universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention as well as other international norms against the use of chemical, biological and toxin weapons. We underline that it is our conviction the latter Convention is best enhanced by the adoption of a legally binding instrument to oversee the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of Biological and Toxic Weapons and their destruction. We continue to support the objective of attaining a regime that would enhance trust in compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention in accordance with the mandate of the ad hoc group set up under the said convention.

27. We will continue to work towards the promotion of the process of nuclear disarmament leading to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The Treaty on Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is a corner stone of the international non-proliferation regime and of the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. The Tlatelolco Treaty is also an essential regional instrument contributing to non-proliferation and disarmament goals. We, the States parties, reaffirm our determination to pursue the effective implementation of the final document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference adopted by consensus and the decisions and resolutions of the 1995 Review and Extension Conference and to work towards their implementation during the process leading up to the 2005 NPT Review Conference.

28. We underline the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as a significant instrument for nuclear non-proliferation and as an important step towards nuclear disarmament. We support the efforts of an early entry into force of the Treaty as reiterated by the 2nd Conference on facilitating the entry into force of the CTBT held in New York from 11 to 13 November 2001. We call upon all of those who have not yet signed/ratified the CTBT to do so, especially the states whose ratification is required for its entry into force, and support a moratorium on such explosions pending its entry into force.


29. We consider that the efforts to tackle the proliferation of ballistic missiles should be carried out through a global and multilateral approach. In this context, we take note of the international meeting to discuss the draft international code of conduct, which was held in Paris on 7 and 8 February 2002, and welcome further exchange of views on this important issue. We also welcome the work of the United Nations panel of government experts on missiles, as well as other initiatives in this field.

30. We will work jointly to promote the universal adherence to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its protocols. We are satisfied with the outcome of the Second Review Conference of the above mentioned instrument, held in December 2001 in Geneva, which stated that its provisions apply to any kind of armed conflict. We welcome the decision to establish a group of governmental experts to address as a matter of urgency the issue of explosive remnants of war and to further explore the issue of mines other than anti-personnel mines.


31. We, the States Party, welcome the success of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction (the "Ottawa Convention"), and the 2nd and 3rd Meetings of the State Parties to the Convention which took place in Geneva and Managua in September 2000 and 2001, respectively. We will continue to work together to eliminate the suffering caused by anti-personnel landmines and to support rehabilitation programmes. We, the State Parties, underline the importance of adhering and ratifying the Convention, and call upon all States to join efforts to achieve the total elimination of anti-personnel landmines. We also condemn the use of antipersonnel mines by all non-state actors.


32. We commit ourselves to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons nationally, regionally and internationally, through measures that guarantee international co-operation and assistance. Consequently, we encourage the earliest implementation of the Action Plan approved by the United Nations Conference on Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held in New York in July 2001.


33. We are deeply concerned about the effects on civilians and on the development of society caused by armed conflicts in many parts of the world and underline the importance of strengthening the capacity of the international community, in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of International Law, for conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping and post conflict peace building and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable sectors of the population. We are determined to reinforce our co-operation in these areas, taking into consideration the activities of the main bodies and agencies of the United Nations.

ECONOMIC FIELD


34. The international context is marked by growing and accelerated globalisation and interdependence. Our strategic partnership has to act as an example of strong political, economic and social co-operation that will lead into quick, effective and differentiated actions for the challenges and opportunities of the XXI Century and with regard to new topics on the international agenda.


35. While economic globalisation can provide opportunities for growth and development it is recognised that it poses challenges particularly to developing countries. We agree on the need to achieve a more equitable distribution of its benefits, to fight against poverty and social exclusion and to focus on economic and social progress, the quality of employment, education and housing, and of integrated health services especially for the more needy sectors. To that purpose, efforts should be pursued, among others, to increase access to markets and new technologies, and by enhancing international development co-operation according to the goal of sustainable development.


36. We understand, however, that to overcome the current international economic difficulties, characterised by a general decline in world economic growth and a reduction in trade growth and investment, we need to join efforts spearheaded by industrialised economies which will play a pivotal role in fostering a renewal of world economic growth and in facilitating the full participation of developing countries in the trade and financial systems.


37. We recognise that inequalities in international economic and trade relations continue to exist along with development gaps. Improvements to the rules, functioning and effective market access opportunities afforded by the multilateral trade system and the international financial system are called for to address these inequalities. We recognise, in particular, that some developing countries have constraints that hinder their integration into the international economic and trading system, and underline the need for trade related technical assistance and other measures to build capacity in order to aid better integration.


38. Economic globalisation calls for increased international co-operation in particular in the field of finance and taxation. Sound and productive international business gains from the rule of law and from a level playing field. We will fight all kinds of money laundering, tax evasion and other economic crimes through international co-operation and national legislation.

39. In the financial sphere we recognise, on the one hand, the need to better utilise the existing capacity of the institutions which are part of the Bretton Woods system, and on the other hand, the need to improve the decision making process and the functioning of these institutions and their policies, in order to enable them to respond better to the new challenges of the international economic system, which has undergone major changes in recent years. We recognise the need, in this regard, for enhanced participation and active co-operation in decision making and in the establishment of the rules affecting economic issues of interest to the entire international community as a way of taking forward the concept of global governance. We will commit ourselves to the strengthening of the international financial system and of our respective financial systems to cope with future possible financial crises that are a menace to national, regional or international stability and to ensure the full benefits of capital markets' integration and to reduce the risks involved with their volatility.


40. Aware that foreign debt is a significant obstacle for social and economic development for many countries, we support in this perspective the full use of all existing mechanisms with an aim to achieve an effective, equitable and lasting solutions in order to overcome this challenge.

41. Favourable financing conditions and measures should be examined and implemented to provide fair and adequate treatment to heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) in the relevant and competent fora noting that some developing countries are also creditors. In this regard, we welcome the agreements reached in Genoa in 2001 by the Group of Seven to take actions aimed at relieving the foreign debt of the HIPC countries that qualify, and to support the struggle of countries against poverty and extreme poverty, particularly through increased non-reimbursable co-operation, as well as financing of more projects in critical areas.


42. We reaffirm our conviction that open regional integration plays an important role in growth promotion, trade liberalisation, economic and social development, democratic stability and a more equitable inclusion in the process of economic globalisation. We are therefore determined to support ongoing regional integration processes in both our regions.

43. We congratulate ourselves on the implementation of the Association Agreement between Mexico and the EU and the conclusion of negotiations for an Association Agreement with Chile. We recommend the timely conclusion of negotiations for Association Agreements with Mercosur. We welcome the new initiatives to negotiate political and co-operation Agreements with the Central American and the Andean countries as well as the decision to strengthen co-operation on trade, investment and economic relations. The achievement of the objectives of such agreements and the strengthening of co-operation should establish conditions under which, building on the outcome of the Doha Work Programme, which we have committed to complete by the end of 2004, feasible and mutually beneficial Association Agreements, including FTA, could be negotiated between the EU and Central America and between the EU and the Andean Community.


44. We also note that, within the framework of the Cotonou Agreement, the Caribbean along with the other Member States of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group will begin formal negotiations for economic partnership agreements in September 2002.


45. We support an open and transparent non discriminatory multilateral trade system, in which the progressive opening of markets and the removal of trade barriers, based on stronger more transparent multilateral rules, allows everyone to benefit from the comparative advantages of their respective economies and fosters competitive integration in world trade and reduces the scope for protectionism. And in this regard we underline the importance of the WTO as the main forum for promotion of trade liberalisation and the establishment of the basic rules and disciplines for the necessary regulation of the international trade system. We welcome the decision taken at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the WTO to launch new negotiations under the Doha Work Programme. These negotiations should bring benefits to all WTO members by increasing international trade and economic growth. The new round of negotiations should contribute to integrating developing countries into the world economy, including through special and differential treatment provisions, fully taking into account the priorities and concerns of our citizens and, promoting sustainable development.

46. We underline the need for bilateral and multilateral technical assistance and capacity building measures to assist developing and in particular, least developed countries to conduct, conclude the negotiations and to implement their results. We also highlight the importance of dealing in a satisfactory manner with the concerns of developing countries in the implementation of the commitments made in the Uruguay Round. We highlight the work programme on small economies agreed to at Doha and, welcoming the recent launch of the said programme, we call for its full and expeditious implementation. The negotiations should also ensure that developing countries secure a share in the growth of world trade commensurate with the needs of their economic development. We confirm our intention to work closely together to obtain, within the agreed three-year framework, a balanced and ambitious outcome to the negotiations on all issues, which takes into account the concerns of all WTO-Members.

47. We reiterate our firm rejection of all measures of a unilateral character and with extraterritorial effect, which are contrary to International Law and the commonly accepted rules of international trade. We agree that this type of practice poses a serious threat to multilateralism.

48. In the context of economic globalisation and the progress of the information society, trade in services should be promoted. New forms of co-operation in this field are important factors for closer economic ties between both regions and would foster free and orderly development, liberalisation and stabilisation.


49. We commit ourselves to promote intellectual property rights in conformity with the international agreements on intellectual property to which we are parties.


50. We reiterate our conviction that the promotion of direct investment constitutes a fundamental goal of relations within both our regions and we therefore agree to foster the development of initiatives designed to increase interregional investment flows. We consider that financial flows and productive investment should be centred specially on projects designed to promote sustainable development and integration of regional infrastructures in Latin America and the Caribbean, and to encourage EU-LAC trade flows. To achieve this objective, the two regions need to co-operate closely with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and, other regional banks. We will promote a favourable climate for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a significant part in the improvement of social conditions, and co-operation between both regions in order to encourage the creation of possible joint ventures.


51. We recognise the importance of promoting sustainable national and international tourism, including ecoturism, as an effective instrument for local, regional and international economic and cultural development.

52. We consider it a priority to enhance and develop the dialogue and co-operation on energy between our regions and countries, in order to achieve energy security fostering mutually beneficial sustainable economic and social development.


53. We underline the importance of energy markets and regulatory reform of the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, promoting investment, supporting the development and transfer of energy technologies and fostering a sustainable use of all energy resources.


54. We shall continue to foster the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We applaud the recent approval of the Bonn Agreement on the "Execution of the Buenos Aires Action Plan" as well as the Marrakech Agreements on the Kyoto Protocol. We hope that they will contribute to the reduction and mitigation of the greenhouse effect of gas emissions, under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and according to countries' respective capacities. We welcome the EU decision to ratify the Kyoto protocol by 1 June 2002 and we are determined to work together to achieve the ratification and the entry into force of the Protocol as soon as possible.


55. We believe it is vital to reinforce our co-operation and action in cases of natural disasters, in order to increase the effectiveness of assistance and reduce the vulnerability of Latin American and Caribbean countries to such phenomena, which are severely detrimental to national and regional development efforts. Moreover, initiatives in this field should consider the links between prompt emergency aid, rehabilitation and reconstruction, while observing criteria for long-term sustainable development.

56. We will promote scientific and technological co-operation in order to strengthen national capabilities, to tackle jointly global challenges, to stimulate investment and to encourage business partnerships involving transfer of technologies and know-how, thus helping to promote sustainable development, specially through the action plan and co-operation agreement agreed by the Ministers of Science and Technology in their meeting of March 2002 in Brasilia.


57. We underline the importance of the development and the creation of efficient infrastructure, with special emphasis on transport, the development of information technologies, modernisation of telecommunications and administrative procedures, the liberalisation of trade and the intensification of economic integration and co-operation. We also highlight the importance of promoting effective co-operation for the transfer of advanced technologies with the Latin America and the Caribbean countries, with a view to developing information technologies, the modernisation of the telecommunications system and administrative procedures and bearing in mind requirements for the development of trade, strengthening of co-operation and economic integration. We believe that information and communication technologies have an important role to play in promoting good governance and economic development. In line with the conclusions of the International Conference on e-Government for Development, held in Palermo on 10-11 April 2002, we are committed to the modernisation of our public administration procedures to make the provision of services to citizens and businesses more transparent and effective.


58. We value the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Development Financing, held in Monterrey, Mexico from 18 to 22 March 2002, which represents an encouraging step in the efforts of addressing systemic issues of the international economy, particularly mobilising the financial resources necessary to meeting the Millennium Declaration Goals and the other internationally agreed development targets. We express our determination to work together in an early and full implementation of its results. In this context we welcome the commitment by the EU to collectively reach 0,39% ODA/GDP by 2006 thus helping to reverse the present trend of decreasing global development aid flow as a step towards the achievement of the 0,7% ODA/GDP target. We hope that the tendency to allocate more resources to development aid will be consolidated.

59. Our partnership in development co-operation offers an important opportunity to put our common values and ideals into practice and to reach a more equitable sharing of the benefits derived from economic globalisation.

60. Our partnership in development co-operation aims at promoting sustainable development in its multiple - particularly social, economic and environmental - dimensions through concerted programmes and actions including many of the issues and areas of co-operation outlined in this document. We share the interests in better national and regional integration and enhanced effectiveness of EU-LAC development co-operation programmes. Development co-operation offers an important opportunity to put our common values and ideals into practice and to further disseminate the benefits derived from globalisation counteracting its negative effects.

61. Sustainable development can only be achieved when all its pillars are addressed: economic development, environmental protection and social development. In order to promote sustainable development, we consider it a priority to overcome poverty, hunger, marginalisation and social exclusion, as well as to modify patterns of production and consumption that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and the increasing greenhouse effect, to promote conservation of biological diversity and the global ecosystem, the sustainable use of natural resources, specially water and renewable energy resources. It is necessary to prevent and reverse environmental degradation, especially that arising from excessive industrial concentration and unsustainable patterns of consumption, to deter the pollution of oceans and seas and the depletion of its living resources, the unsustainable use of forest resources and erosion of the soils which threaten the world climate in keeping with the principles of shared but differential responsibility.

62. We look forward to a constructive PREPCOM IV, which will take place in Bali on May and should finalise preparations for a successful World Summit on Sustainable Development that will take place in Johannesburg next September 2002.


63. We are convinced that the World Summit on Sustainable Development offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the implementation of Agenda 21 and to renew local, national, regional and international political commitments to promote sustainable development world-wide.


64. We are determined to achieve the objective of the Plan of Action of the World Food Summit of 1996. In this context, we welcome the idea of an "International Coalition Against Hunger", which will be discussed in the "World Food Summit: five years later" that will take place in Rome on 10-13 June 2002.

CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND HUMAN FIELDS

65. We reiterate our commitment to a solid partnership between Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union in the educational, health, cultural and human spheres, based on shared values and on the recognition of the importance of education and scientific and technological progress, to consolidate the foundations of our like-mindedness.

66. We commit ourselves to conduct our relationships on the basis of the principles of equality and respect for plurality and diversity, without distinction of race, religion or gender, precepts that constitute the ideal means of achieving an open, tolerant and inclusive society where the individual's right to freedom and mutual respect is enshrined through equitable access to productive capacity, health, education and civil protection.


67. We will commit ourselves to devote more resources for the development of social programs, with special emphasis on education, health, nutrition, housing, social integration and employment, as well as to scientific research, technological development and culture, as a means to better the conditions of human development. In this context, we recall the principles and measures adopted in the framework off the World Summit for Social Development, held in 1995 in Copenhagen, and the new guidelines for the future convened during the Special Session of the UNGA of Geneva, held in 2000. In this respect it is necessary to implement policies and reform the fiscal system in order to generate resources to promote economic development and social justice.


68. We stress the importance of the creation of sufficient and adequately remunerated and productive employment in our countries. For this purpose, education and professional training of workers is essential.

69. We express our great concern for the serious social and economic consequences of HIV/AIDS and other pandemics that affect in particular developing countries. We reaffirm the right of human beings to adequate levels of health care. We recognise the need to promote greater access to medicines consistent with the Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and public health adopted at the Doha WTO Conference. We also recognise the need for a global strategy of prevention and treatment, through co-operation among States, international organisations, civil society and the private sector in the fight against these epidemics. We welcome, in this regard, the progress made in this area by the Human Rights Commission, the World Health Organisation, and the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation and, the especial Session of the United Nations General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.


70. We consider that scientific research and technical development are fundamental elements in our relations and are an essential condition for the successful insertion of countries into a globalised world, which requires the advances of scientific knowledge, its mastery and adaptation to constantly evolving technology. We favour the implementation of the Action Plan adopted by the Ministers of Science and Technology at their meeting last March 2002. We acknowledge the potential for the development of democracy, economic and social progress that lies within the information and communication technologies. We agree that it is convenient to share knowledge, technology and information, taking advantage of the connectivity of infrastructure and to encourage all peoples to gain universal access to the same. We emphasise that the full use of digital technologies and networks for development and social progress, although posing a technical challenge, is above all a political, institutional, social and cultural challenge that requires a vision and a purpose that broadens the space for co-operation between our countries and between the public and private sectors, with the support of the financial institutions and other international entities.


71. We share the view that educational co-operation should be strengthened, with particular emphasis on basic education, vocational training and co-operation between institutions of higher education, including universities, research and technological development centres and distance education, taking into account the particular needs of our societies. In this context we recall the successful co-operation programmes already in existence and favour the implementation of the actions decided by the meeting of Ministers of Higher Education, held in Paris on 3 November 2000.

72. We agree that universal access to education and professional training are determining factors to foster economic and social development, reduce poverty and achieve adequately remunerated employment, assuring a full basic education for all people of school age and the right of peoples to maintain their cultural and linguistic identity; we stress the right to education itself, based on the specific national responsibility of each country to provide adequate education and to promote lifelong learning of all its citizens.


73. We agree that the mission of the higher education is to contribute to sustainable development and the improvement of society in its global perspective: to educate and to prepare well-qualified graduates capable of attending to all aspects of human activity; to promote, manage and diffuse knowledge through research; to interpret, preserve and promote cultural in its pluralist and cultural diversity context; to offer lifelong learning possibilities; to contribute to the development and improvement of education in all its levels; to protect and promote civil society, nurturing young people in accordance with the values of democratic citizenship and competent to provide critical and independent perspectives at all debates of the strategic options to the reinforcement of humanist perspectives.

74. We agree that interregional exchanges among educational and cultural actors of both regions are one of the most efficient and effective means to promote mutual understanding, artistic education, apprenticeship and cultural production. Close contacts between artists and organisations in all cultural sectors encourage respect for cultural and linguistic diversity, guaranteeing human dignity and social development.

75. We are determined to encourage further co-operation and exchange between cultural industries, including in the audio-visual sector, in order to preserve our cultural diversity.


76. We agree that the recovery, preservation and better knowledge of our vast cultural heritages, and of our diversity as a fundamental link of bi-regional integration, would permit closer and more enduring relations between our peoples and promote cultural creativity as a basis for peace and tolerance. We consider that actions, in both regions as well as in multilateral fora, should be fostered to promote, respect and disseminate cultural diversity and pluralism in the world, noting inter alia the Declaration on Cultural Diversity adopted by the 31st session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2001.


77. We recognise the importance of traditional knowledge, which is a cultural and economic asset closely linked to the indigenous communities, and as a consequence, rights of these communities over such knowledge should be recognised and must receive due international protection.

78. We see that the world is immersed in a process of change that has profoundly modified the way in which people interact, entrepreneurial organisation and productivity and the countries' economic, social and cultural development. Likewise, we agree that, to a large extent, the cause of such changes lies in the major technological advance recently achieved, particularly in the field of information and communication technologies. All these transformation processes have given rise to the so-called "Information Society".


79. We observe that, within this process, there is a tendency to lessen the relative importance of classical production factors, such as natural resources and cheap labour, and that new forms of competition and a new social and economic fabric -the Information Society- in which the generation, processing and distribution of knowledge and information is the main source of productivity, well-being and power, emerge.

80. We recognise that the digital gap is a new dimension of the economic and social cleavages that limits the universal access to knowledge and information in our own languages. The reduction of the digital gap will receive a special treatment in the frame of the bi-regional and multilateral co-operation.


81. In order to take full advantage of the potential of the information society, we share the opinion that States need to consider, setting up national e-strategies as a result of a consultative process involving all interested parties. Such e-strategies should include the establishment of enabling, pro-competition regulatory and policy frameworks and stimulate the use of open and international standards, to pave the way for regional harmonisation and aim at contributing to key development areas such as e-government, e-education, e-health and e-commerce. States also need to consider the appropriateness of undertaking measures aimed at promoting the protection of human dignity and information privacy, ensuring adequate network security in the field of cyberspace, and forbid the use of the Internet for unlawful purposes.


82. In this context, we welcome the declaration of the Ministerial meeting on Information Society held last April in Seville and we express our satisfaction for the launch of the @lis programme as a concrete follow up of the Rio Summit, with a view to strengthening our relation in this strategic field. We will encourage joint action by our countries at the World Summit on Information Society to be held in the year 2003.

83. These common values and positions and those included in the political declaration and plan of action of Rio de Janeiro should guide our current dialogue and co-operation in inter-regional and international fora. At the same time, they will contribute to the successful deepening and widening of our strategic partnership.

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vrijdag 7 juni 2002