From the Euro-Mediterranean partnership to the Union for the Mediterranean

Abstract

The Euro-Mediterranean relations advanced at a relatively slow paceand shallow depth under the Cold War dynamics. After the end of thebipolar structure, European strategists found room to revitalize therelations. These efforts culminated in the Barcelona Process, which fellbehind in meeting expectation. The latest attempt, the Union for theMediterranean, confronts severe setbacks in achieving the goals set bythe Barcelona Process. Its future depends on the partners’ ability toovercome major weaknesses stemming from the institutional set up andthe impact of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Deadlocked by interrupteddialogue, the prospect of cooperation is bleak. The article presents theevolution of the Euro-Mediterranean relations from the BarcelonaProcess to the Union for the Mediterranean. The first part focuses on theobjectives and institutions of the Barcelona Process. Following a briefdiscussion on the European Union Neighbourhood Policy, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership- European Union Neighbourhood Policyassociation and the performance of the former are introduced. Finally,the 2007 Union for the Mediterranean is scrutinized.