Israel is a key partner for the EU in transport. The aviation agreement that we signed earlier this year is very important for further strengthening the overall economic exchanges, trade and tourism as well as broader political relations between Israel and the EU. I am very pleased that the agreement is already starting to have a positive impact in the market – to the benefit of consumers.

 I firmly believe that the knowledge triangle (education, research and innovation) is a bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Investment in education is an investment in our shared future prosperity and in the youth who are shaping our common future.

 Transport… [is a] key sector where the UfM works that gets the two shores of the Mediterranean closer.

 It is still tense out on the street, and one of the biggest challenges facing Tunisia is to learn to live with difference. We are not used to having an exchange of opinions, of accepting different ways of life.

 I realised that my being a citizen allows me to influence the future of my district. Today, I can have my say.

 Women's participation in public, political and economic life, on an equal basis with men, is one of the primary values at the heart of the Arab spring.

 We've already found compounds that we may be able to use to combat human infections and to fight diabetes, as well as high anti-oxidants that might be used in the cosmetics and food supplement industry.

"We cannot ignore what is happening in our closest neighbourhood. Nor can we ignore that the people there look at Europe as a source of inspiration for reforms. That is why it is so important for us to maintain our engagement in the Neighbourhood, focus on implementation and make sure that our offer meets their needs." 

 Energy… is a priority area of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, as it is an essential part of the process of building a shared area of prosperity and stability.

 The project began around a year and a half ago. Our partners indicated the best methods to use and recommended the new generation of water meters. This has enabled us to reduce our natural losses - due to old pipes and connections etc. - by 2% in the district selected”

 Through this programme [The Journalists’ Pact for Strengthening Civil Peace in Lebanon ], not only do we encourage a collective, mutually-shared memory of Lebanon's troubled past, but we also support local initiatives and efforts by civil society at national level, aimed at mitigating conflict and fostering civil peace. The media play a crucial role in selecting and framing sensitive topics and can be powerful agents for peace, through influencing and shaping public opinion. 

 Progress towards a full and deep democracy requires daily and permanent work. Democracies are never achieved or acquired forever. This is why the European Union calls for the revision of measures inherited from the previous regime, especially in the penal code to ensure the freedom of expression of Tunisian men and women. The reform of justice to assert its independence and impartiality is also a long-term effort to anchor democracy.

"The bloodshed, the terror, the horror that is going on in Syria needs to be stopped and in the end negotiation is the only way it can be done…We've made clear for long time that we do not believe Assad can be part of that, in the sense that he could not continue to be in a leadership role in his country,” said Ashton, “But it is for the different sides in this to bring forward people who can come and have a discussion about how to go forward…We'll be a strong partner for the people of Syria long into the future, because this country will need to be rebuilt."

 We'll be a strong partner for the people of Syria long into the future, because this country will need to be rebuilt.

 Investing in youth is the best investment of all, in Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. We want to support young people who are the key to social and political change, as well as the future prosperity of the region.

 Our aim is to involve local and regional authorities in the further development of the UfM and to bring it closer to the citizens… ARLEM therefore allows local and regional representatives of the three shores of the Mediterranean to meet regularly to boost inter-regional cooperation, exchange experience and ensure political representation of the local and regional level.

 Young men can be at the heart of social unrest. If they are unemployed, unmotivated, angry and disillusioned, they need guidance to become positive powers in society. I have learned things here about myself I wasn’t even aware of. I acted as a lecturer during today's session. This is the first time in my life that I do a power point presentation. I never knew how it works.

 Creating a Trans-Mediterranean Transport Network is a shared objective for the European Union and our neighbours, and one which we have been supporting with important resources over the past years.

 The opening of the first office in Tunisia and in the SEMED region is an historic moment for the EBRD. We are looking forward to accelerating our investments and leveraging our 22 years of experience. We are committed to supporting transition and the long-term economic development of the country.

 The EU is deeply committed to supporting the development of Palestinian public and private capacity in the area of research and innovation. This is an important way of promoting the prosperity and welfare of the Palestinian people and contributes to state-building.

 Support to SMEs, including through private equity instruments, is a key priority of the European Investment Bank as these actors play a crucial role in the economies of each of our Mediterranean Partner Countries. They are the essential key to restoring private sector growth and employment in the region which underpin the future aspirations of the region’s youth.

 Israel is a key partner for the EU and today's agreement is very important for further strengthening the overall economic, trade and tourism relations between Israel and the EU. We expect to see more direct flights to and from Israel, lower prices, more jobs and economic benefits on both sides. This agreement represents a significant further step in the implementation of the EU's renewed and reinforced external aviation policy adopted in 2012.

 We are very proud of our work with the Ministry of Social Affairs especially with regards to the PA's social protection programme and we encourage the PA in its effort to ensure the equal treatment for men and women in the different sectoral policies. We are looking forward to further enhancing our cooperation in the fields of higher education and vocational training in order to help increase employment opportunities, in particular for youth. 

 The European Union will continue to work for the establishment of a democratic and united Syria, respectful of human rights, fundamental freedoms and rights of minorities.

 There is major potential for the region in progressing in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Solar Plan is going to help materialise this potential, and from the UfM Secretariat, we are very pleased to be facilitating this key process.

 People with disabilities are full citizens. They have a right to equality, but also to dignity, equal treatment, autonomy and full participation to society.

 Wind power must double the current overall generating capacity of 20,000 MW in Egypt to approx. 40,000 MW in the next ten years, in order to be able to compete with the expected rise in consumption.  While this is an ambitious plan, it is also one that would prove quite effective in helping to alleviate the foreseeable energy shortage in this country.

 Today, more than ever, culture remains a remarkable lever in the cooperation process between Morocco and the European Union. Not only has the festival Jazz au Chellah created an audience, it has also contributed to the concretization of a new cultural dimension.

 In response to concerns regarding traffic congestion and operation of roads, the EU Delegation to Egypt is eager to support this country in finding solutions based on Intelligent Transportation Systems, to improve the overall effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of transportation.

 The EU is highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges and intercultural dialogues. In addition to the efforts already made to provide EU support for economic recovery and growth, to create new jobs and to reduce regional discrepancies in Tunisia, the EU is now also enhancing its support for quality education for Tunisian young people.