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Mediterranean Union Project: Analysis by a group of European experts
A report published recently by a group of experts convened by the Institut de la Méditerranée considers that the Mediterranean Union (MU) would serve no purpose, be counter-productive even, if it were to constitute an additional authority with no real political power, no agenda or means of its own. In the document, the group of experts, that includes inter alia, Jean-Louis Reiffers, Christian de Boissieu, Henri-Luc Thibault, Denis Bauchard..., concentrated on topics that "appeared central if the MU proposed by the French President is to be viable".
The report recalls that, initially, the Barcelona Process's objective was to contribute to bringing peace and security, support economic development by creating a free trade area and an aid program, MEDA (Euro - Mediterranean Partnership) which offers free aid and Femip (multi-lateral investment fund for the Middle East), which is a credit facility attached to the European Investment Bank (EIB) to help cultural dialogue and mobilize civil society. Those participating in the group of experts are convinced that it is inappropriate to talk of failure regarding the Barcelona Partnership. "The positive aspects of the Barcelona Partnership are important," they insist.
Nevertheless, the results did not achieve the published objectives, which means that, according to the group of experts,the objectives of future projects need to be adjusted to take into account the means available. The prime objective of the Barcelona Process, initiated following the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian talks, was to establsih peace in the area. This was an obvious failure, proving that the situation was more complex than was believed and that Europe's geo-strategical influence was not equal to the task.
The partnership therefore turned to the second objective, that is creating the free trade area and supporting the institutional reforms necessary for this to be achieved.Here, the results are not as clear cut. The gap widened significantly between income per capita within the EU and its new members on the one hand and the Mediterranean developing countries on the other. Amounts granted to Mediterranean partners are nowhere near those granted for the convergence of new EU members (Common Agricultural Policy, European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, other common policies). For the periods 2007-2013, Poland alone will receive in the region of 60 billion euros in convergence funding, whereas all the Mediterranean partners together wil receive only 11 billion, of which half of this will be in Femip/EIB loans. This is an extremely dangerous situation for the European Mediterranean countries, insofar as their financial interdependence with the South represents less than 5% of their international commitment (commercial flows and investments), whereas human and social involvement (immigration, security risks, media coverage, etc) represents about 15/20%.
As far as the Southern countries are concerned, their material commitment with respect to Europe is much stronger as it represents about 50% od their international commitment. The group of experts considers that now the question of European policies is being looked into further, this needs to continue but with a clear understanding of the limits. But it is precisely these limits vis-à-vis the stakes we are faced with over the coming fifty years that justify the MU's creation.
The report considers that the MU project should be abandonned if significant additional funding is not made available in the long term. Over five years, a credible objective would be a sum of about 25 billion Euros compared with the 11 billion Euros affected over the period 2007-2013, including the Femip loan facility. It is vital that a specialised financial institution for the Mediterranean is put in place if the MU is to be credible. Several possibilities are being considered. Firstly, a fund which may or may not be attached to neighbouring funds. Secondly, a development bank.
Summary by Meziane Rabhi "Liberté", 10th January 2008
Translated by Raficka YASSUR |
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