"European Union: a civil or a political power in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership?" In EURO-MED INTEGRATION AND THE 'RING OF FRIENDS': THE MEDITERRANEAN'S EUROPEAN CHALLENGE, VOL. IV"

Cakir, Armagan Emre (2003) "European Union: a civil or a political power in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership?" In EURO-MED INTEGRATION AND THE 'RING OF FRIENDS': THE MEDITERRANEAN'S EUROPEAN CHALLENGE, VOL. IV" , Xuereb, Peter G., Eds. European Documentation and Research Centre.

Abstract

This article claims that within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, the Union mainly assumes the role of civilian power. Sometimes it also has to assume the political power role and becomes influential by using the attraction of full membership. However, in cases like the conflict in the Middle East, where the Union still wants to be influential but the 'membership' instrument cannot work, the Union displays a poor record. In such situations, institutionalisation of the security dimension of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership may help.