Mariano Rajoy defends need to create "a large space of security, stability, prosperity and good neighbourliness" in Mediterranean

Pedralbes Palace, Barcelona

After saying that the Mediterranean "unites us rather than separates us" and that we should "look after it together and responsibly", Mariano Rajoy added that "only the implementation of common projects and resources will enable us to overcome the challenges we face on both shores" because "the stability and well-being of us all is at stake".

The President of the Government defended the value of unity over separation in the changing world we inhabit today. "Contemplation of that which we have in common rather than that which separates us and the reaffirmation of our common values" are the basis on which "to move forward with a passion on future projects in the best interests of all our compatriots", he said.

European Neighbourhood Policy

Mariano Rajoy stressed that the European Neighbourhood Policy is "an excellent tool" that should be modernised and refined "to better fulfil its role" in a changing environment characterised "by the magnitude of both the challenges and opportunities".

Pool MoncloaThe President of the Government explained that the goal of the Ministerial Summit in Barcelona is to further develop relations of friendship and cooperation, "making them more flexible and effective". This means "reaffirming the European commitment to the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean commitment to Europe", he added.

Ordered management of migratory flows in the Mediterranean

The President of the Government said that the Mediterranean must deal with two major challenges: illegal immigration and Jihadi terrorism. Regarding the first, Mariano Rajoy advocated "ordered management of migratory flows" with a view to ending the "heart-breaking" drama that leads to thousands of victims.

He added that development aid, job opportunities and training opportunities should be increased for the younger members of society in their own countries. He also said there is a need to increase investment and trade with the region, as well as foster immigration through legal channels and bilateral and multilateral dialogue.

In this regard, the President of the Government said that "Europe should use all the tools it has available to create a genuine space for prosperity between the two shores of the Mediterranean" because "we have been called to act with greater commitment to governments and peoples experiencing moments of instability".

Fight against Jihadi terrorism

Pool MoncloaAfter remembering the victims of Jihadi terrorism, Mariano Rajoy stressed that this is the main challenge we must tackle because it represents "a direct threat to the security of our countries, of our people". He insisted that the "deluded" words that describe "Jihadism as a representation of Islam" cannot be accepted because "the Islamic world is just as much a victim of the terrorist scourge as everyone else".

Mariano Rajoy explained that international cooperation is the best way to combat Jihadi terrorism. "We are stronger together", he said. He went on to say that this fight not only requires actions that are closely linked to security but also preventive diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and control of financing sources.

The President of the Government is convinced that "a shared commitment from the two shores of the Mediterranean will enable us to defeat the terrorist barbarity and foster a common space for freedom, stability and prosperity".

Barcelona

Pool MoncloaAt the start of his speech, the President of the Government highlighted the "profoundly symbolic nature of Barcelona in Euro-Mediterranean politics". He recalled that this city played host to the Euro-Mediterranean Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers on 27 and 28 November 2005, which led to the so-called "Barcelona Declaration".

The President of the Regional Government of Catalonia, Artur Mas, the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Latvia (currently the rotating President of the Council of the European Union), Edgars Rinkevics, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, also spoke during the inauguration of the EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Summit.