The Union for the Mediterranean previously known as the Mediterranean Union is a community established on the 13 July by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, as a development of the Euro Mediterranean Partnership.

The Union consists of all the EU states and those countries on the Mediterranean rim or those which are participating in the Euro Mediterranean Partnership. The idea is to form a connection between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The project’s aim is to revive the existing Euro-Mediterranean partnership, known as the Barcelona process, and will create a more equal dialogue between the wealthy EU and the states that border the Mediterranean. Membership in the project is open to all states that border the Mediterranean, all members of the European Union and some others. They represent a total of nearly one billion people. The then-presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy put forward the proposal for a Mediterranean Union during his election campaign in 2007, and it is now an evolving success.

One of the main aims of the union is to work on a series of practical projects, with each member state free to work on a project if it chooses. The environment was high on the agenda of topics. The de-pollution of the Mediterranean was an important topic, and cleaning up the sea’s waters and coastal areas, together with focusing on the water and waste sector were emphasised in this regard. Alternative energy was discussed, stressing a probe on the feasibility of a Mediterranean solar plan to develop solar power as an energy source, and supporting research and development into energy sources other than oil and gas.

Perhaps the biggest long-term success of the Paris meeting will turn out to be less geopolitical and more geo-economics. This union allows space for nations to have better dialogue between them. It creates a fraternity, as I have referred to it before, between countries in the European Union, and those that are not; nations that are Christian and nations that are Muslim. People that have one culture, and people that have another. This union gives a new meaning to the phrase Mediterranean neighbours. This Union of the Mediterranean provides the perfect vehicle for us Mediterranean neighbours to integrate and discuss at a new level. Within this union, every nation can make a difference.

During my speech last Sunday at the conference organised by my colleague Simon Busuttil and myself, I mentioned this union and how we can make a difference. We can do this by being a catalyst, not just a passive nation. A catalyst supporting implementation, for promoting dialogue, for introducing new ideas, new ways of thinking, or stressing important issues by making our voice heard.

And that is exactly what Dr Gonzi did when he attended the meeting in July. The Prime minister appealed to all Mediterranean neighbours to work in unison to tackle this important environmental hurdle, and he also emphasised the need that the Mediterranean countries tackle with urgency the prevailing climate change challenges. This approach is a perfect example of how we can be catalysts within the union, and outside it.

While mentioning one leader, I couldn’t help but think of another, or perhaps the silence of the other leader. A question came to mind: what stance has Joseph Muscat taken about this issue? We have seen the recent 100 first days of Joseph Muscat as leader of the Labour Party, and yet hardly any stances were taken. It would be indeed interesting to see what this new leader thinks about this union, and how or what he thinks we should do as a country.

Our position in the heart of the Mediterranean has long been recognised. If one had to look at our size 316 square kilometres, 400,000 inhabitants we are a tiny nation compared to all the others. However, we are found at the centre, the heart, of the Mediterranean. It is our duty, as a nation, to take an active part and have an effective involvement in this union. The reasons are not merely geographical, but more of a political responsibility.

“This was not a one-off,” said Eric Chevallier, a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry in July. In fact, as I am writing this, I am on my way to Paris for another meeting concerning this Mediterranean Union.

We are reaping the fruits of our membership with the EU. However, we too have a lot to offer. Perhaps we should focus more on how we can give more to the European Union, and the Mediterannean union, as well as receive.

I believe that we have a great deal to offer as a nation, and I will do my utmost to see that we are succeeding in this respect. Regardless of our size or number, we can be an important and effective catalyst, within the Mediterranean, and ultimately, within Europe.

David Casa is a Nationalist MEP

www.davidcasa.eu

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