Inter-regional Schemes across the Mediterranean Sotiris Petropoulos University of the Peloponnese

Source: WTO, 2013

FTAA NAFTA EU-Mercosur EU MERCOSUR

Inter-regionalism: cooperation between regions Definitions Inter-regionalism: cooperation between regions Trade Finance Political Parliamentary.. √ the issue of geographical proximity is more complex √ Increased level of exchanges

Issues Region-to-region or Regional Integration Scheme to Regional Integration Scheme Issue of asymmetry Issue of culture

Wippel 2005

EU-Med Relations Phase A: 1961-1995 3 periods: a. 1961 to 1972 bilateral relations – partnership agreements b. 1972 to 1985 Med Policy c. 1985 to 1995 Revitalized Med Policy

General Characteristics 1961-1972 General Characteristics Not fully integrated EU policies European South Trade Agreements

General Characteristics 1972-1985 General Characteristics Trade Finance Democracy

General Characteristics 1985-1995 General Characteristics Bilateral Finance Protocols March 1995 – Greece lifted its veto for the 4th financial protocol to Turkey

Τι είναι η ΕΠΓ; European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) The EU-Med Framework European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) A framework for dealing with EU’s neighbors Those in the East and South for which the EU has not given the prospect of accession Aim: closer ties Τι είναι η ΕΠΓ;

Γενικά Στοιχεία για την ΕΠΓ ENP Initiated during 2003/2004 (notion of Greater Europe) 16 countries 10 in the South/Med (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Libya) Both bilateral and multilateral framework Γενικά Στοιχεία για την ΕΠΓ

Multilateral – the South The Barcelona Process Initiated in 1995 Seeking to create a Mediterranean region of peace, security and shared prosperity. Three Pillars: Political and Security Dialogue (sustainable development, rule of law, democracy and human rights) Economic and Financial Partnership (free-trade area leading to sustainable and balanced socio-economic development) Social, Cultural and Human Partnership (understanding and intercultural dialogue)

2005 – added migration as a 4th pillar EC earmarked €16 billion Multilateral – the South 2005 – added migration as a 4th pillar EC earmarked €16 billion EIB to channel €2 billion per year Re-launched as the Union for the Mediterranean (2008) why? 10th anniversary – low participation by heads of states

Multilateral – the South Union for the Mediterranean More members (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro and Turkey) Issues: Med de-pollution Establishment of maritime and land highways to facilitate movement of people and goods Prevention, preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters Mediterranean solar energy plan Euro-Mediterranean University (Slovenia) Mediterranean Business Development Initiative – supports small businesses

Union for the Mediterranean Multilateral – the South Union for the Mediterranean Permanent secretariat – 2010, Barcelona, SG being non-EU Co-presidency – 1/1 basis (France/Egypt, EU/Jordan) Biennial Summits of Heads of State and Government

Phase B: 1995- The ENP continues to promote bilateral relations The UfM operates in a more technocratic fashion and not politically Enhances the partnership component (co-presidency) More role to third Med countries, the private sector and cross border cooperation