Mediterranean Union as a consolation prize for Turkey?

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's proposal to found a Mediterranean Union has received fresh impetus. According to critics, membership could be a consolation prize for Turkey should its bid to join the European Union fail. Bojana Rozic comments. "It's bad news for Ankara that Paris wants to vote on the boundaries of the EU and consequently on Turkish EU membership this year... However, if France wants to forge an alternative alliance such as a Mediterranean Union, sooner or later the entire EU is going to have to reach a clear decision. It would be only a matter of time before a genuine debate became necessary. In view of Portugal's negative stance we can't rule out that this debate will take place only once Slovenia takes over the EU presidency. Such a debate would clash with Slovenia's priorities: EU enlargement and intercultural dialogue. In that case our country would perhaps have to focus on strengthening relations with Turkey rather than the integration of the West Balkans."

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