Mediterranean policy of the European Union

Mediterranean Region, as a strategic geography, always attracted the attention of international actors. Different cultures and civilizations, waterways that opened to oceans and natural energy sources like gas and oil are increasing the importance of the region. Since the establishment of the European Union, it has identified the Mediterranean Region as an area of interest. In this context the Union has developed a range of policies towards the Mediterranean Region. First, the policies were implemented to improve commercial cooperation. But after that the European Union decieded to create more comprehensive policies towards the region. The Barcelona Declaration is a result of these effort. However, this process was interrupted due to the conflict in the Middle East Region. French President Nicolas Sarkozy laid the foundation of the Union for Mediterranean in 2008. Today the European Union is implementing this policy on the region but conflicts that occured on the Middle East and North Africa regions have paused the process.Key Words:1.Mediterranean Region2.Euro-Mediterranean Partnership3.Union for Mediterranean4.Barcelona Process5.Mediterranean Partnership