"The Mediterranean Union is a decisive step in the relations between Europe and our Mediterranean friends". José Manuel Barroso, president of the EU Commission, will be at the Paris summit on July 13th with other leaders of the EU Executive. Barroso points out that the European Union wishes to "achieve the ambitions of the Barcelona Process, aimed to create an area of stability, shared prosperity and security in the Mediterranean region". "Together we are stronger", adds the head of the EU Executive. The Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, states that the Barcelona Process "has delivered substantial results, establishing a veritable partnership between the two shores, in several areas", such as: "political dialogue, society, education and the media". "Despite some hindrances and setbacks adds Ferrero-Waldner -, our aspirations and our dynamism remain intact, and now we want to consolidate the progress we have made".
