• + The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

  Page I

  • Abstract

    Page III

  • 2. List of Abbreviations

    Page IV

  • 3. Contents

    Page V

  • I. Introduction

    Page 1

  • II. The concept of ‘normative’ power

    Page 7

  • III. A neo-realist critique

    Page 11

  • IV. Democracy Promotion in the Mediterranean

    Page 14

  • V. Trade Relations

    Page 24

  • VI. Migration

    Page 36

  • VII. Conclusion

    Page 43

  • Appendix

    Page 44

  • References

    Page 45

In 1995, the EU 15 and twelve Mediterranean states concluded the Euro- Mediterranean Partnership. This agreement involves cooperation in political, economic and cultural matters. It aims at creating a common area of peace, stability and prosperity. This study discusses the concept of the EU as a 'normative' actor and questions its validity. In doing so, it relies on a neo- realist analysis. Democracy promotion, Euro-Mediterranean trade relations and migration are policy areas which, each for its own reasons, deserve special attention in the framework of the Barcelona process. This paper reviews the reality of Euro-Mediterranean relations and compares them with official EU documentation to demonstrate that the concept of the EU as a benign 'normative' actor suffers from severe shortcomings.