Supported by the European Commission within the framework of the MEDA regional programme since 1997, FEMISE has successfully completed two phases under grant contracts with the European Commission: FEMISE I(1998-99) and FEMISE II(2001-2005). After its establishment in 2005 as an Independent NGO under the 1901 French Law, FEMISE won the Call for Tenders announced by the European Commission to undertake the project on ‘Etudes et Dialogue Euro-Méditerranéen en matière économique’ (Euro-Med studies and dialogue on economic issues) for four years (Nov 05-Nov 09), with a possible three years of extension.

The general objective of the contract with the Commission is to reinforce the dialogue and economic research on priority topics related to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, by supporting a network of Euro-Mediterranean economic research institutes that undertake studies and organize conferences and discussions forums.

The specific objectives of the project:

1. to take part in the strengthening of the dialogue on the economic and trade section of the Partnership, in particular between FEMISE member institutes, relevant ministry officials of the Mediterranean partner countries and Commission representatives,
2. to identify and follow the progress of the Mediterranean partner countries in the way of the transition and of the opening, in particular concerning the free trade area and South/South co-operation,
3. to amplify economic research on priority subjects for the Partnership.

Main Activities of the Association within the project

The Following is a summary on the main activities of FEMISE within the contract with the Commission. This summary is not exhaustive.

1. Financing socio-economic research

Within the main objectives of the association, the research funds from the contract with the Commission is financing research programmes that monitors the economic transition of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. More than Euro 1,9 million are devoted for research for the period 2005-2009.

The socio-economic research topics that are defined as priorities for the Euro-Mediterranean region are broadly defined as follows, but not limited to:

• Agricultural question,
• Development and the poverty treatment,
• Policies as regards health and work,
• Education, training and the role of women in the company,
• Integration and cooperation between the countries of the south of the Mediterranean,
• Role of the State.

FEMISE distributes these funds either through ‘Internal Consultations’, where members of the network are invited to present proposals following an announced Scientific Program by the association, or through commissioning a team of experts to undertake a study of a specific topic that is believed to help filling a certain knowledge gap.

For an access to the FEMISE Research Projects funded since 1998

2. Organization of conferences and Workshops

Four international conferences appear on the work agenda of the Femise (2005-2009). Participants of the annual Femise conference gather to address and exchange views on issues related to the EU-Med Partnership and Neighbourhood policies and their effects on the economic and social aspects of the Mediterranean Partners countries. The conference serves also as a platform for networking among members of the association and with other distinguished invitees. During the Conferences, selected FEMISE members present their most recent findings and results of their FEMISE funded projects.

FEMISE is also organizing thematic seminars/workshops that gather specialized experts (from the network and outside) to discuss and exchange views on a specific topic of important to the region. This targeted activity has deepened the understanding of issues related to the region and has widen the dissemination of FEMISE activities.

For Details about FEMISE Conferences and Seminars

3. FEMISE Annual reports

Each year, FEMISE produces an annual report (in both English and French) highlighting and analyzing the main and most recent issues that have affected the EU-Med region. Each report reflects:

• The principal issues of the topic and its development;
• The analyses of the FEMISE (based on studies done by the network);
• The economic policy recommendations under the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

For a list FEMISE annual reports

4. Dissemination and Outreach Strategies

The Association ensures the dissemination of its research results of its funded projects through:

1. Presentation in conferences or seminars;

2. Publishing as a FEMISE Research reports on the FEMISE website

3. FEMISE Newsletter

4. Edited volume (forthcoming activity).

The website constitutes the principal information vector of the association, allowing the distribution of data, of Research reports and various other reports produced within the framework of the activities of the network. In operation since June 1999, the site has undergone in 2009 a major facelift, introducing interactive element devoted to providing a space for Members to add their own news and to express their views on a specific subject or topic of their interests.

For a list of FEMISE publications

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