ABSTRACT
An active conflict resolution policy is a prerequisite for an enhanced Euro-Mediterranean security partnership. This chapter deals with its indispensable complement: opening up the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) can create trust between both shores and can open the way to the institutionalization of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP) and to deepened politico-military cooperation. The chapter further deals with arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, which are governed by particular circumstances, and with the organization of the EMP, to conclude with an appeal to the Union to muster the political will to take the lead in the sensitive issue of Euro-Mediterranean security. Once the EU initiates an active conflict resolution policy in order to address the immediate obstacles to Euro-Mediterranean security cooperation, the deepening of the political and security basket of the EMP can be considered. The EU can however also give an immediate and very strong signal of its wish to engage in a true and equitable security partnership.
