Mediterranean Union: Marseilles, a model for the new union with its mix of european lifestyle and mediterrean flare - Je 11.07.2008 10 UTC

This Sunday, 27 representatives from the EU will gather in Paris along with their counterparts from countries bordering the Mediterranean to celebrate a new alliance. The idea for the Mediterranean Union was originally suggested by French president Nicolas Sarkozy during his election campaign in 2007. He saw it as an alternative to Turkish membership to the EU as well as an initiative promoting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours. But the project has its sceptics. Libya sees the mediterranean union as undesired competition. Other critics say French companies will use the project to snap up lucrative contracts in the region. Our first report takes us to Marseilles, a model for the new union with its mix of european lifestyle and mediterrean flare.