The Union for the Mediterranean is born in Paris
Leaders from the 27 EU nations, North Africa and the Middle East met in Paris on July 13, bringing the Union for the Mediterranean to life, as well as breathing new life into the Middle East peace process.
On July the 13th in Paris, the new Union for the Mediterranean (UPM) was born, following agreement between more than 40 heads of state. The new regional organisation brings with it renewed hope for political and economic cooperation around the Mediterranean coast.
Proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy during his presidential campaign in February 2007, the “Union for the Mediterranean” will take precedence over the “Barcelona Process," a Euro-Mediterranean dialogue launched in 1995. The results got mixed reaction from economic and political observers.
Sarkozy’s initial project included only countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, but was amended after Germany and Brussels stressed the need to include all the EU members.
Cleaning up the sea, solar energy, access to drinking water and expansion of maritime exchanges were top of the agenda.
Mideast conflict - no longer an obstacle?
The failure of the peace process prevented the Barcelona process to call a summit bringing together leaders from Israel and Arab countries. The Union for the Mediterranean, which is about to launch in Paris, successfully overcame the obstacle.
Sarkozy's Mediterranean challenge
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to chair the Paris summit on the Union for the Mediterranean jointly with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
UFM: the key dates
From the Barcelona Process to the Union for the Mediterranean, it took 13 years of gestation to build a real bridge between the countries on the northern and the southern shores of the Mediterranean.
The Union for the Mediterranean is born
French president Nicolas Sarkozy along with 40 leaders launched the Union for the Mediterranean. One of its aims will be to bring fresh energy to the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations process.
Pour aller plus loin
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GOALS OF THE UNION
Hopes for regional peace -13/7
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The Bosphorus, by the waters of the EU
Report : Assia Shihab, Ezgi Baglieto, Sevil Delin & Gokhan Acun
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Haifa, port of amity
Report: Marc de Chalvron, Annette Young
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Marseille, overlooking the Med
Report: Karim Hakiki, Patrick Lovett
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Riga, the Baltic Riviera
Report: Johan Bodin, Patrick Lovett
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TURKISH RESERVATIONS
Ankara's tricky balancing act-13/7
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EGYPT'S BOSS
Mubarak co-chairs Mediterranean summit
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The 27 EU members and 10 countries from North Africa and the Middle East.
