Brussels outlines Med Union plans

The European Commission has formally outlined its proposals for the creation of a new Union for the Mediterranean aimed at "upgrading relations between the EU and its Mediterranean partners".

Addressing a press conference in Strasbourg following the approval of the proposals by the College of Commissioners, European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner presented the outline of the structures of the new Union which aims at giving "renewed vitality and visibility of the EU's relation with the Mediterranean countries," commonly known as the Barcelona process.

The Commission's proposals, drawn up following a mandate given by EU leaders last March, are a watered down version of France's plans for this new union. President Sarkozy was the prime mover behind this new EU structure, however, his plans have now been heavily diluted by the Commission.

According to the Commission's proposals, the new structure, to be called Barcelona Process: Union For The Mediterranean, will include the setting up of a Secretariat and the creation of a permanent committee of Euro-Mediterranean representatives. It foresees biennial summits of heads of government and the establishment of a co-presidency to manage these summits and annual foreign ministerial meetings.

The Commission said that projects will be at the heart of the new initiative, identifying possible areas for projects that strive to promote growth, employment, regional cohesion and economic integration. These areas include energy and energy security, environment, civil protection and transport.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner said that these proposals underline the commitment and the EU's desire for a more coherent partnership based on co-ownership of the process.

Malta, Morocco and Tunisia have already shown their interest in hosting the Union's secretariat.

EU officials last week told The Times that Tunisia is the most likely candidate to host the Union's secretariat, as it is France's favourite candidate, however, discussions held in the past days showed that there is still no consensus over the choice. The same sources did not exclude the possibility that the Union's secretariat will end up in Brussels.

The Commission's proposals will now be presented for discussion at the inaugural summit of the Mediterranean Union in Paris in July.