Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA)

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) is the parliamentary dimension of the Barcelona Process. A key focus of its work is therefore to develop cooperation on political, economic and cultural affairs between the EU and the eastern and southern Mediterranean countries with a view to promoting stability and security in the region. The EMPA's inaugural sitting was held in Athens, Greece, in March 2004; since then, it has met once a year in the country which holds the Presidency of the Assembly.

In its current (16th) electoral term, the German Bundestag is represented in the EMPA by a 3-member delegation headed by Hans Raidel (CDU/CSU).