In a way the expansion from the EU12 to the EU27 has increased the influence of Germany to the detriment of France, so it makes sense that France would try to build a counterweight by creating a sphere of influence extending to the South.

That doesn't mean that the "Union of the Mediterranean" (as it appears Sarkozy, Zapatero and Prodi agreed to call it in July last year) has to be separate from the EU. That's what people are afraid Sarkozy wants, but it is not what Zapatero seemed to have in mind.

Then again, if a cooperation area is built around the Mediterranean basin, I don't see why Germany needs to be involved. It is not itching to get into the Black Sea Synergy: in that case just the Commission oversight seems to be enough, why would it not be enough in the case of the Mediterranean?

We have met the enemy, and he is us — Pogo