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Apr 6 08 9:39 PM



EURO-MEDITERRANEAN FOUNDATION FOR A DIALOGUE OF CULTURES
PREAMBLE
a) The 1995 Barcelona Declaration states the need, in chapter III, to develop a dialogue of
cultures and civilisations within the framework of the Mediterranean societies. The Action Plan
adopted at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Foreign Ministers in Valencia, 22-23 April
2002 includes a mandate for the setting up of a Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for a dialogue
of cultures and civilisations.
b) The establishment of this new instrument within the framework of the Barcelona Process is a
priority, for the following reasons:
- in the first place, on account of the need, in this essential sphere, for a dynamic structure,
which should contribute decisively to the development of a true sense of joint ownership of
the Barcelona Process by its members;
- the importance of having an instrument that would disseminate the goals of the Barcelona
Process and its development amongst the European and Mediterranean societies.
Therefore, the implementation of Chapter III of the Barcelona Declaration requires actions
whose objective is to reach the greatest possible number of citizens, while aspiring to
overcome barriers in the way of access to information and to achieve a greater level of
mutual knowledge between them;
- the need to set up an institution that is able to promote the coherent identification and
execution of projects that are relevant to the dialogue of cultures and increased cultural cooperation;
- the need to set up an institution that catalyses and provides an inventory of co-operation
between the existing networks of foundations, NGOs and other institutions of civil society,
whether public or private, national or international, which operate in the Euro-
Mediterranean area.
1. Goals and Objectives
The objectives shall be established as set out in the statute of the Foundation, which will be
proposed to the institutions of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. The main objectives are:
- to identify, develop and promote areas of cultural convergence between the countries and
peoples of the Mediterranean, with the aim in particular of avoiding stereotypes,
- to hold a close and regular dialogue between cultural circles often kept outside the main
diplomatic and cultural exchanges,
- to serve as a catalyst for promoting exchanges, co-operation and mobility between people at
all levels, targeting in particular the young and activities relevant to young people.

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3