The European Parliament and the Debate over Sarkozy's Mediterranean Initiative: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

  The ambitious plan for the creation of a 'Mediterranean Union' that French President Nicolas Sarkozy initially presented as part of his presidential campaign in February 2007 has created disagreement among European Union member-states, especially within the context of the already existing EMP/Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (also known as the 'Barcelona Process'). This article deals with the issue as it has developed within the European Parliament. Indeed the EP is a growing actor in both European politics and international relations. We ask if there is evidence of a Europeanised view on the subject among MEPs or whether instead national preferences still prevail.