Mediterranean: characteristics of the region and relations with EU

This work provides basic information about the Mediterranean area and its relations with EU. Mediterranean area includes eleven states: Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Palestinian occupied territories, Jordan and Libya. First chapter of the work focuses on the economic situation of recent years and main problems which characterised this region. Second part concerns the external relations of the Mediterranean with EU. In November 1995, fifteen EU member states and twelve Mediterranean states (ten after Cyprus and Malta joined the EU) agreed on the Barcelona Declaration. This Declaration, which founded the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, aimed at achieving peace, stability and growth in the region. It covers political, economic and social cooperation and represents a turning point in Euro-Mediterranean collaboration. The most active state from EU in developing euro-Mediterranean relations is France. French priorities and interests in Mediterranean area are described in the last chapter of the work