Brussels, 30/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 30 April, the European College of Commissioners held a policy debate on the communication that it plans to present by end May on the modalities and establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). According to the Commission spokesman, Johannes Laitenberger, this “very informal exchange of views” was aimed to hear the points of view of different commissioners and to allow the leader, Benita Ferrero-Waldner to take them into account when preparing the Commission's proposals. Ms Ferrero-Waldern's spokeswoman did not wish to say more about the substance of the discussions, stressing their “informal” nature. The European Council in March had approved the principle of an UfM and invited the Commission to present to the Council the necessary proposals for defining the modalities of what will be called: “The Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean” with a view to the summit to be held in Paris on 13 July. (H.B.)