Brussels, 29/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - France and Italy are resolved to work together to contribute to the creation of a Mediterranean Union. “Together, France and Italy will suggest that the seven Mediterranean countries meet to finally give an operational meaning to Mediterranean policy, which is a priority in our common project”, said Romano Prodi, president of the Italian Council, after a meeting in Paris on Monday with the French head of state, Nicolas Sarkozy. The seven countries concerned are, in addition to France and Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal. “Of course, this must be extended to the countries on the southern rim of the Mediterranean. But you understand how important it is for the seven Euro-Mediterranean countries to have a common position”, the French president stressed.
During his presidential campaign, Mr Sarkozy floated the idea of a Mediterranean Union modelled on, but not a part of, the EU, within which Turkey, which Sarkozy does not want as a member of the EU, would, he says, have a “pivotal” role. Nicolas Sarkozy and Romano Prodi were, however, careful to state that this Mediterranean Union project was not to be seen as a consolation prize for Turkey should it lose its bid to join the EU. “As I see it, Turkey or no Turkey, the Mediterranean Union is necessary”, said the French president. “It is not just in response to the question of whether Turkey should join or not, whether it should have the status of privileged partner or of a member state that this was brought up”, he said. Romano Prodi took up: “I ask that this proposal we are elaborating for a grand Mediterranean policy not be thought of as a way of resolving the problem of our relations with Turkey”. He stressed the importance of not confusing the two problems, “as it would be a very bad start to a great Euro-Mediterranean adventure”.
In response to questions put by the press, Mr Sarkozy said that all Mediterranean countries must first of all be aware of the fact that “their destiny is linked”. It would then be necessary for all countries north and south of the Mediterranean to “agree on a method for talking to each other and then for taking decisions”. Finally, themes must be chosen. “If one really wants a Mediterranean Union (…) one should begin with the ambition of protecting the environment and safeguarding the Mediterranean Sea”, before tackling difficult subjects such as “immigration, security, and counter-terrorism”. “This is why we have added the possibility of speaking about specific issues, for example, joint universities or the old idea of a Mediterranean bank”, Mr Prodi added.