Brussels, 25/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a political initiative that pays particular attention to the partnership with the South but the reality of the figures is not necessarily that which is evoked, said a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry on 24 February as he commented on the results of the EU Council in Brussels on Monday. The UfM, he said, has re-mobilised energies and also, potentially, means for relations with the South. But in terms of financing today, if you bring together all partners including those within the framework of the candidate countries, there is far larger financing towards the Eastern Partnership. France makes this a “political concern” and its “political priority” is that there shall be a “balance in terms of financing”. “The Eastern Partnership must not be a substitute for interest in the Union for the Mediterranean, but some of our partners consider that there must not be a Union for the Mediterranean to the detriment of the prospect of an Eastern Partnership. All that must be done in a consistent manner”, he added. “But once again”, a French diplomat in Brussels said, “we are willing to discuss the matter in the relevant bodies and in respect of past agreements for a certain balance. We do not object to financially supporting the strengthening of relations with the East, if it is not done at the expense of the South”. France was simply “recalling an agreement” during Monday's lunch between ministers, the same source points out.
According to budget experts commenting on the French position, it was pointed out that there was consensus during the fixing of financial perspectives 2007-2013 on the basis of credit “consumption” during the previous multiannual period 1999-2006, which marks a 2/3 proportion for the South and 1/3 for the East. This breakdown is also based on the number of countries (10 on one side, 6 on the other). France thus calls for this key for repartition, presented as natural, to be respected, although it is far from being confirmed on the basis of a calculation in line with demography. A euro/inhabitant breakdown would show direct imbalance from the East. The balance of figures would thus appear theoretical as is the case in the principle of equality fixed from the outset between the €11.8 billion for Neighbourhood Policy and the €11.46 billion for countries covered by the pre-accession programme, of which only Turkey would be different in terms of financial support for adjustment efforts required. The economic weight of the former Yugoslavia and Albania would not warrant the notion of equal treatment, considered theoretical.
The debate on the Eastern Partnership, which began on Monday (see our bulletin yesterday) could be very difficult. Participation by third countries (Russia, Turkey, etc.) will be decided on a case by case basis. The debate was also held at the time when the Commission was preparing its positions with a view to mid-term review of the allocations for 2007-2013, that it is expected to submit to the Council in April. (F.B./transl.jl)