Brussels, 07/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Senior officials in charge of Euro-Mediterranean dialogue will be meeting in Barcelona on 16 and 17 December (Catalonia, Spain) for putting the final touches to the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) structure further to decisions adopted on 12 November.
They are thus expected to officialise decisions concerning the secretariat's organisational chart, its method of operation (internal rules of procedure) and its work programme for 2011 (de-pollution, motorways of the sea, civil protection, renewable energies including solar energy, higher education, Euromed university and research, and the Mediterranean Business Initiative), all of which entails discussion on its budgetary means. An agreement was reached on 12 November on requirements at this level (over €6 million annually) although only €3 million are available as a contribution by the European institution. Senior officials will take stock of the proposed contributions from the 43 UfM member nations. They will also have to pursue discussion on the final draft declaration of a summit that the co-presidencies do not despair of convening after the two successive reports in June and November this year. In all these discussions, an essential question remains outstanding - that of the nature of the UfM and its connection with the EU. No conclusion on this has been reached apparently either within the European institutions or between EU member states (EUROPE 10257 and 10259).
Some countries such as the United Kingdom or, for quite different reasons, France, are said to be pushing for a traditional form of Euro-Mediterranean policy, independently of the UfM. This “unidentified institutional object” - a term frequently used - or one that has not yet been identified, would remain a separate “intergovernmental adventure” even with a Community contribution (financial in particular) following the example of political dialogue with the Black Sea. Catherine Ashton is said to still be taking a wait-and-see stance on this issue, said to be a textbook example, a “precedent” in the establishment of the Lisbon Treaty, according to a commentary from within the institutions. According to our sources, there is confusion over the services in charge of the Mediterranean. The merger of Council and Commission services responsible for this region would be difficult to resolve and would be still more complicated by delayed announcement of the organisational chart.
What structure will take pride of place in the merger and which staff will be involved - with officials from the institutions or posted diplomats? What will the blend of staff be? The Council's hierarchical structure is not the same as that of the Commission. Would a Council head of unit be at the same level as a director within the Commission or, at a lower level, that of a head of unit? The answer will determine the level of fusion, and the level at which this blend should be made. For now, there are many unanswered questions and answers are awaited from Catherine Ashton. This does not, however, prevent senior officials from continuing their preparations for a summit - but for when? This is just one more question. (F.B./transl.jl)