Mediterranean policies?
For fifteen years, the Mediterranean became the subject of a multiplicity of "big politics", ie of different international policy processes aimed at transforming the Mediterranean area through the implementation of resources and joint actions with partners in these initiatives.
Reconfiguration of the Barcelona Process
The Euro-Mediterranean Conference in Barcelona in 1995 was the origin of the Euro-Mediterranean process. She then meets the foreign ministers of 27 countries, those of 15 Member States of the European Union and those of so-called Mediterranean Partner Countries 12 (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, the Palestinian Authority, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta). These representatives agreed at the end of this conference, a declaration, known as the Barcelona Declaration, the terms, rather ambitious, defined three aspects of cooperation: political - economic - social, cultural and humane. A first step towards better integration of the Mediterranean was therefore initiated. In fact, the birth of this partnership in 1995 corresponded to somehow take into account new realities of geopolitical had then restored to its role as the Mediterranean crossroads.
The European neighborhood policy in question
The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) has initially been considered only for Eastern European countries as an alternative to membership, then expanded in a unified manner to countries south of the EU, in a prospect of securing stability and prosperity in Europe. The Mediterranean is one of the geographical areas in the heart of the ENP. Its objective is to promote political reforms (particularly on strengthening democracy and respect for human rights) and to deepen economic integration between the EU and its neighbors. First, based on bilateral partnerships (Action Plan, the country reports) and various financing instruments, it evolves gradually.
The Union for the Mediterranean: Mediterranean revival project?
In 2007, an initiative of the French Presidency has just relaunch the Euro-Mediterranean partnership through the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM). Designed initially independently, this project is finally integrated into the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, becoming a new stage. The bet is made to obtain the commitment of the highest representatives of States and institutions concerned to give it extra weight. The Union for the Mediterranean was officially launched in Paris July 13, 2008 during a summit meeting for the first time the heads of state and government of 27 EU countries and their counterparts in the Mediterranean Partner Countries. The summit results in approval of a joint declaration establishing this new initiative.
Towards a Macro-Mediterranean region?
In June 2009, the Commission approves the EU Strategy for the Baltic Region (EUSBR for its acronym in English). This document is the realization of a reflection of the past 10 years, including at European level, on governance and new regionalism. The Baltic is the first European to adopt such a strategy based on the finding of a strong interdependence and similar challenges to improve environmental protection and ensure a harmonious social and economic development This "macro-region".
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