The Union for the Mediterranean: a new chance for Middle East peace or the Emperor’s new clothes?

President Sarkozy’s brainchild, the Union for the Mediterranean, was finally born on 13 July 2008, after a whole series of mutations. It has been seriously slimmed down in terms of ambitions and kneaded into a shape which fits neatly into the framework of the EU’s ailing Barcelona Process. The opening summit, one day before the French national day, was spectacular with its solemn declarations of leaders of otherwise estranged nations, highlights of silent diplomacy and theatrical diplomatic incidents. The actual decisions were remarkably modest. What can the Union for the Mediterranean really achieve in the long run? Will it open a new road to peace in the Middle East and between other hostile nations in the Mediterranean area? Or will it just lethargically plod along like its predecessor, the Barcelona Process, once the French presidency is over and Nicolas Sarkozy has to concentrate on domestic problems?

Speakers:
- Anne Prédour, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of European Cooperation, in charge of Euromed partnership
- Rosa Bafour, European Policy Centre, Senior Policy Analyst
- Cem Özdemir, Member of European Parliament (Greens)

Moderator:
Ilana Bet-El, academic, author and policy adviser, Brussels