The Anna Lindh Foundation’s work is guided by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership principles, values and priorities as enshrined in the Barcelona Declaration of 1995.

The Barcelona Declaration is the far-reaching political agreement established in 1995 between the European Union and its ten Southern Mediterranean partners in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Turkey. 

The declaration is the first  attempt in modern history to create strong and durable bonds between the shores of the Mediterranean. It comprises three main objectives:

• The definition of a common area of peace and stability through the reinforcement of political and security dialogue.
• The construction of a zone of shared prosperity through an economic and financial partnership and the gradual establishment of a free trade zone.
• The rapprochement between peoples through a social, cultural and human partnership aimed at encouraging understanding between cultures and exchanges between civil societies.

The signatory states declared that they respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and that they guarantee the exercise of such rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of association for peaceful purposes, freedom of thought and freedom of religion. They stressed on the importance of thorough education in these fields and stated that they would combat manifestations of intolerance and racism within their societies.

The improvement of the living conditions of the populations, an increase in the employment level and the reduction in the development gap in the Euromed region were recognized as major objectives. It was understood that success of the partnership required a substantial increase in the EUs financial assistance, and that this must encourage sustainable indigenous development and the mobilization of local economic actors.

The partners expressed their recognition of the key role of women in development and undertook to promote their active participation in economic and social life as well as in the creation of employment opportunities.

Dialogue between the cultures of the region through exchanges at the scientific, technological and human levels were seen as an essential factor in bringing peoples closer and improving their perception of each other.

The declaration also stipulates that the Euro-Mediterranean partnership must contribute to enhance educational levels throughout the region and that a regular dialogue on educational policies will take place. The development of joint research programmes, cooperation of universities and other institutions of higher education as well as the promotion of vocational training and technology in education were planned.