For 3 years now, social and economic developments and political upheaval have profoundly transformed our societies and institutions. We have witnessed extraordinary events that have changed the face of the Mediterranean region, events whose repercussions are reflected in the everyday lives of its populations. On both shores, media are experiencing radical changes that undermine the structure and economy of the audiovisual sector. As we have constantly stressed, now more than ever we must work together, combining our energies and encouraging joint ventures and creativity.
When Ina took over the presidency of COPEAM at this difficult time, its aim was to further this policy. I have great faith in our unifying partnership and complete trust in the commitment of each one of you.
I would now like to underline the outcomes of my presidency - the problems and successes, the challenges encountered and those we will have to face tomorrow.
Over the last 3 years, COPEAM has enabled each of us to cooperate in a range of activities of which we can justly be proud:
- European projects such as Joussour, Terramed Plus and Med-Mem;
- news exchanges such as ERN-MED;
- TV and radio co-productions: Mediterradio, Kantara, the 3rd and 4th edition of Inter-Rives;
- training projects and meetings such as the Mediterranean training engineering forum in Ankara, which will take place again for the 2nd year running, in partnership with TRT.
COPEAM has successfully managed this important moment for the Mediterranean cooperation, as demonstrated by these concrete projects, achievements and accomplishments. Yet we must go on with our work, restate our identity, make our projects sustainable, engage in new initiatives and evolve.
We must embrace those initiatives that bring together multilateral cooperative bodies, such as the Summit of the Chairs of the Mediterranean Region, led by France Télévisions.
We must play our part in European discussions and within European bodies, speaking for the Mediterranean and public service broadcasting.
The situation in the Mediterranean region remains problematic. This makes it all the more essential that we should develop efficient, innovative, coordinated, rational, concrete and politically-backed cooperation.
As I have said, I have faith in the future of COPEAM and I can assure you that Ina intends to remain entirely committed to its initiatives.
I hope to see you in Tunis, the most iconic of cities, next April, and I encourage you to participate in the elective general assembly there.