The Mediterranean: Not a Union, but an Integrated Space?

International Journal of Political Science Urban Studies, cilt.6, ss.1-20, 2018 (Hakemli Dergi)

This study examines several multilateral cooperation initiatives in the Mediterranean and by discussin

g their failures in generating a genuine cooperation, it hypothesizes about an integrated Mediterranean

space, where prime challenges might lead to a loose functional framework of integration. In putting

forward this hypothetical integrated space, the study begins with discussing prime challenges in the

region: security, migration and environment, and it proceeds with early multilateral cooperation

attempts. Among these, it focuses its attention on two ambitious ones: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

and the Union for the Mediterranean, and underlines the disappointments in these attempts in realizing

peace and prosperity in the region. The study concludes that an integrated space in the Mediterranean,

which takes European integration experience as a model, might offer a better solution to the common

problems in the region with a precondition that southern Mediterranean states are provided a clear

perspective in a sincere and equal partnership.