Our meeting here in Naples is both a real novelty and a sign of continuity. As you are all aware, there are a number of meetings and fora, which bring together representatives of Mediterranean countries and the EU to discuss economic and financial issues.
These meetings take place as part of the Barcelona process, which was initiated in 1995 to foster cooperation between the northern, southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean in various spheres. As you know, it comprises the EU and 12 partner countries in the Mediterranean.