In Depth: Mediterranean Union - France's ties to the Maghreb states are already pretty close - 13.03.2008 10

At their summit later today EU leaders will be discussing a new French proposal for closer cooperation with Europe's southern Mediterranean neighbors. French President Sarkozy wants to make it a cornerstone of his country's upcoming EU presidency. But it's an idea that's provoked some controversy in the run up to today's meeting, +++LM-REIN+++ with a number of northern countries concerned that it could become a club within the club. Now the French president has made some changes to his scheme and says all EU countries wll participate and benefit from closer ties to the Mediterranean's southern rim. But some EU members remain sceptical and will be expecting President Sarkozy to prove that his plan reflects EU needs...rather than his own ambitions.