Restarting the Mediterranean Union?!
Restarting the Mediterranean Union?!

Summary/Abstract: The Mediterranean Union, more commonly referred to as “Sarkozy’s child” has certainly endured numerous ups and downs. Starting in 2007 as Sarkozy’s idea, while running for president, it aimed to form a Union in the image of the European Union. The idea itself was not welcomed among European partners and was thought of as a fake promise for presidential points. After Sarkozy was elected the Mediterranean Union or Barcelona process was launched on the Paris Summit for the Mediterranean held on 13 July 2008, with 43 Heads of State and Government from the Euro-Mediterranean region. The main goal was to form a free trade area. The Mediterranean Union undoubtedly has an economic potential, but due to the market barriers that are hard to eliminate this part barely functions. There are also doubts about the originality of this plan. The Med Union is especially similar to the “Great Middle East” project as well as the NATO’s Mediterranean dialogue from 1994. The Union has trouble functioning due to the conflicts in the region that unable any kind of progress. This paper will examine the reasons for creation of the Mediterranean Union as well as its functions following with the issues that caused its deadlock. The paper will also try to answer the final question whether the existence of the Mediterranean Union should be terminated or should the EU try to restart the Mediterranean Union and help with all its resources and institutions?

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