The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, 2004-2008: Assessing the First Years of the Parliamentary Dimension of the Barcelona Process

Parliamentarization is an under-studied dimension of Euro-Mediterranean relations. A preliminary assessment of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly shows that the parliamentary process is not unique to the Mediterranean. The origins, aims, and objectives of the EMPA are presented, as are its structure and functions during its first four years of existence. Despite many weaknesses and limitations, the EMPA can play an important role in Euro-Mediterranean relations, but in order for it to do so, both its structures and functions need to be strengthened.