ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the negotiation of the Barcelona conference and assesses its contribution to the European Union's (EU) strategic behaviour in the Mediterranean region. It discusses the rationale behind the EU's decision to convene the conference, which was taken at a propitious time in Euro-Med relations. The chapter analyses the preparation of the Conference during 1995, illustrating how the process was dominated by the EU and by the Mediterranean member states in particular. It focuses on the content of the Barcelona Declaration and Work Programme and the early stages of the implementation process. The chapter also examines the chapters of the Barcelona Declaration and discusses some of the key problems relating to its implementation. The downgrading of the Political and Security Partnership saw progress largely confined to the development of a network of security experts comprising academics, diplomats and military personnel. For the Mediterranean partner governments, an effective Economic and Financial Partnership was an important component of the Barcelona process.
