TRESMED – Civil society dialogue

Objectives

It aims at giving social and economic agents a framework for an institutionalized dialogue, in an effort to support civil society, good governance and democratization in the Mediterranean region. It wants to strengthen and promote the consultative role of the Mediterranean economic and social institutions, encouraging them to participate in both the political-decision making process and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. It also seeks to create and consolidate institutions of social dialogue and assure a balance between economic and social development.

What does it do?

TresMed focuses on creating a better understanding of social and economic issues of interest to the Euro-Med collaboration, through visits, regional seminars, debates, information exchange and the production of a dedicated website. The project works towards strengthening links amongst representatives of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions, promoting a greater commitment and encouraging them to participate in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

A new project started in 2008, financed with € 907,000 from the ex MEDA budget. Activities foreseen will be innovative and will include two sub-regional high-level seminars,  two Seminars hosting representatives from the Israeli and the Palestinan Social Economic Committees jointly , an exercise of simulation of the work of an Economic and Social Council for young people and a closure Conference gathering all participants.

Actions in brief

• Organises study visits to 17 European capitals for exchange of experiences, discussion, education and awareness-raising.
•  Creates a Forum of participation for organizations representing social and economic interests.
•  Holds 2 regional seminars (Egypt and Turkey) promoting education and awareness.       
• Supports strengthening existing Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and encourages the setting up of Councils in Partner Countries.
• Fosters the exchange of experiences of institutionalized dialogue between the North and the South.

http://www.ces.es/TRESMED/tresmed_en.html