The Barcelona Declaration of 1995 invited to the creation of links between Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions within the Mediterranean basin which would contribute to a better understanding of matters of interest for Euro-
Mediterranean collaboration.
tresmed
and the euromediterranean
partnership
Since then, the Economic and Social Councils and similar insti- tutions have been seeking to promote a greater commitment of social forces to the Euro-Mediterranean project, to support the creation and consolidation of institutions for social dialogue and to assure the balance between economic development and social development.
In 2000, the 6th EuroMediterranean Summit of esc’s and similar institutions considered the need for specific action to achieve the above-mentioned objectives and launched the tresmed project covering "The consultative role of the economic and social partners and its contribution to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership". Financed by the European Commission through its medaprogramme, this pioneering project brings together the esc’s, the most significant organisations representing economic and social interests, members of the Administration, members of Parliament and experts from both sides of the Mediterranean sea.
tresmedhas created a framework for stable regional cooperation amongst esc’s and economic and social partners on both sides of the Mediterranean, with the aims of promoting the role of consultative institutions in democratic societies, strengthening links amongst representatives of civil society and encouraging them to participate in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
tresmed 2
, from 2004 to 2006, aims to collaborate in the new European Union of 25 members not only in forging links amongst similar European institutions but also among the new Mediterranean neighbours, consolidating links amongst the institutions which encourage and facilitate participation by citizens in social and economic life. This will take place in a new regional context, whose trends are: the evolution of institutions for social dialogue, the enlargement of the European Union and the New Neighbourhood Policy.Participation by associations representing economic and social interests in the debate on socio-economic issues is a prime factor not only for achieving a more dynamic economy and greater social cohesion but also for making the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership more visible to citizens on the two shores.
To promote mutual awareness of institutionalised
social dialogue in both Southern and Northern countries, as practical examples of participatory democracy.
To supportthe creation of Economic and Social Councils in countries in which opinion is favourable and to encourage debate on them in other countries.
To promote debate amongst the Economic and Social Councils
on issues of common interest related to the economic, social and human aspects of the Barcelona Process.
objectives
tresmed 2 aims:
To strengthenthe Economic and Social Councils, especially the new ones.
To offer a space for participation by the economic and social
partners in the development of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and in the New Neighbourhood Policy.
To bring the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership closer to the
new European Union member countries in Eastern Europe, especially those which already have an Economic and Social Council or similar institution.
To create an interactive TRESMED network of institutions, organi- sations and experts participating in the project and active in the field of social dialogue and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
The Seminar.The Seminar will discuss the various aspects of the institutionalised social dialogue and the development of the Barcelona Process, especially those matters of common interest for the consultative institutions of the economic and social partners.
The Visits.The Visits will promote interaction amongst social agents in different geographical areas enabling the participants in social dialogue to share experiences and creating a travelling forum for reflection amongst the economic and social partners on the present and future of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
The website on tresmed:tresmed2 will offer an Internet platform for promoting links amongst institutions, socio-professional organisations and experts in the Mediterranean basin, offering open channels for communication amongst them and creating a "community" of participants in tresmed.
1.2005 / seminar in turkey
2.2005 / visit to madrid – dublin
3.2005 / visit to lisbon – the hague
4.2006 / visit to rome – brussels
5.2006 / visit to paris – vienna