Euromed Barcelona Summit

The summit faced problems from the start on Sunday, when only two Mediterranean leaders showed up Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Those of Egypt, Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco were unable to attend.

According to Spanish media, Arab diplomats at the summit said some leaders, such as Tunisian president Zine al- Abidine Ben Ali, preferred to stay home rather than be lectured by the Europeans on democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, having sent representatives instead.

The delegations could not agree on a common statement regarding the Middle-East peace process, due to the very different positions of the Israelis and the Palestinians on the matter.

The talks almost collapsed as Arab delegates pushed for language that effectively said those "under foreign occupation" might legally resort to force to gain freedom.

However, two days ago, leaders of the EU member states and their ten Mediterranean partners did succeed on agreeing a code of conduct to counter terrorism, leaving out controversial key definitions for all parties.