Union for the Mediterranean

The Union for the Mediterranean had been institutionalized by the Ministerial Summit, held in Marseille, France in 2008. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs decided to establish a Co-Presidency, a Joint Permanent Committee (comprised of diplomats from all member states) and a Secretariat. There is also a group of Senior Officials (mandated by the Foreign Ministers), who prepare the Ministerial Summits. The Ministerial Summits, along with the Senior Officials, undertake the necessary preparations for the bi-annual Summits of Heads of State and Government.

The states around the Mediterranean have achieved (through the Union and with the participation of the entire European Union) a reasonable minimum of political stability, freedom and pluralism. As they seek to enhance what has already been achieved, they also try to coordinate their policies in order to implement a sound macro-economic policy, which could inspire confidence among both domestic and foreign investors. Moreover, the Union focuses on protecting the environment and the maritime passages. Last but not least, the Union for the Mediterranean promotes the intercultural dialogue and seeks to strengthen the network of inter-state relations of civil societies.

The topics to be discussed are: