France and the Union for the Mediterranean: Individualism versus Co-operation

Mediterranean policies are necessary for the European Union as a whole. However, a game of relations and interests exists, where different actors attempt to position themselves on the map. Some are able to occupy a central role, while others are pushed into the background. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a good example of this, with France being the visible head but not able to decide all questions of shape and content. This contribution addresses the kind of role played by France during the process of presentation and development of the UfM, focusing on the relative degrees of individualism and co-operation at different stages of this Mediterranean project.