1. The Economic Effects of the New Mediterranean Union in Europe
A research proposal by: Matthew D. Beal

2. Map showing the countries introduced by the Mediterranean Union in tan and red.

3. Map showing the economic status of the MENA countries introduced by the Union. North African in particular is struggling quite badly.

4. Why is this important?
The European Union is now expanding to incorporate the North African Coast as well as the Middle Eastern Mediterannean Countries. A regional analysis of the economic benefits of this expanded European Union is important to the understanding of economic geography.

5. Background
The Union for the Mediterranean was created in 2008 with the aim to promote growth and solidity around the Mediterranean rim.
Was part of current president of France’s presidential campaign in 2007.
Some of the goals of this program that would support the economy include:
A development initiative for businesses of the Mediterranean. This means the promotion growing businesses around the Mediterranean.
Better education and research: This would increase the education level around the Mediterranean which would be especially beneficial in North Africa. It would give access to more skilled workers which would eventually lead to a more productive and efficient society.

6. Present Knowledge
A variety of helpful information on this subject as well as similar subjects already exists like:
A document from the summit between the countries involved outlining some of the goals of the Union.
The Mediterranean Union: Socioeconomic Benefits and Challenges for Greece by Athena Smith, Professor of Sociology
A ‘Union for the Mediterranean’ Or for the EU? by Richard Gillespie
Economic Data for the region from The CIA World Factbook

7. Present Knowledge
There is also a present day example that could serve as some sort of basis for reference on the potential effects of a free trade zone.
Spain has two exclaves located on the northern cost of Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla.
These areas have a significantly greater economy and job market than the rest of Morocco. This could be due to the fact that they are a part of a European power (Spain) and have flourished from that.

8. Why does this matter?
There are multiple reasons this study would be beneficial:
The first is that it would provide economic data trends about Europe showing the before and after of the Mediterranean Union.
The second is that it would be interesting to gauge how the European members of the Global 500 felt in regards to the opening of a free trade zone. Especially those in areas where there is already tension with North Africa.
Finally, I feel that this research will result in a better understanding of what happens economically when two drastically different regions come together.
There are multiple reasons this study would be beneficial.
The first is that it would provide economic data trends about Europe showing the before and after of the Mediterranean Union.

9. Research Design
The time period of which I will be participating in this study will begin in January of 2013 with conclusive results around January of 2014.
The methods I plan to use include an intense analysis of economic data gathered from European countries since the introduction of the Mediterranean Union along with the examination of the possible effects the proposed free trade zone will have on the region.
The areas I intend to travel to and sample are Spain, Italy, and France. This is due to their already high exposure and interaction rates with The North African Coast.
There is already tension between Libya/Italy and France/Algeria. It would be interesting to see if businesses in the region would overlook these troubles and move to foreign shores when the free trade agreement becomes active.
The results I hope to pull out of this study will show the current effects the Mediterranean Union has had on the European economy, along with information collected about how top businesses throughout Europe feel about the proposed free trade zone.

10. Timeline
January Begin gathering sources and data, and also reading information about the economic effects of Mediterranean Union.
March Begin assemblage of collected data to show patterns of economy since the beginning of the Mediterranean Union
April Begin researching Global 500 corporations and businesses in Europe and begin contacting their representatives to find out their company’s stance on expanding to North Africa and to set up meetings.
May Begin preparation of travel across Europe
June2013- Travel to Spain and collect data and meet with businesses regarding foreign expansion.

11. Timeline
July Arrive in France, the birthplace of the Union, and begin researching available data their government has over the state of the economy since the beginning of the EU. Go to any meetings with companies I have set up.
August Arrive in Italy and begin performing same research as in France and Spain

12. Timeline
September return to the U.S. and begin pooling data acquired abroad with data I collected while in the States.
October Begin compiling information acquired from various businesses regarding their expansion and drawing final conclusions.
November/December Assemblage of final presentation of findings.

13. Proposed Budget $3,000 Airfare $1,000 for train tickets
$5,000 for a translator when necessary on the trip
$10,000 for board around various places
$ 6,000 Misc. expenses (articles and data requiring paid access, transportation, etc…)
Total: $25,000

14. Bibliography
Aliboni, R Putting the Mediterranean Union into perspective. EuroMesco.
Balfour, R The transformation of the Union for the Mediterranean. Mediterranean Politics 14(1)
Gillespie, R A ‘Union for the Mediterranean.. or for the EU?. Mediterranean Politics 13(2)
Holden P A new beginning? Does the Union for the Mediterranean herald a new functionalist approach to co-operation in the region? Mediterranean Politics. 16(1)
Khatib, K The Union for the Mediterranean: views from southern shores. The International Spectator: Italian Journal of International affairs. 45(3)
Schlumberger, O The ties that do not bind: The union for the Mediterranean and the future of Euro-Arab relations. Mediterranean Politics. 16(1)
Smith, A. The Mediterranean Union: Socioeconomic benefits and challenges for Greece. Hillsborough Community College