The European Union and Multilateralism in the Mediterranean: Energy and Migration Policy

The aim of this paper is to explore the practice of EU multilateralism vis-à-vis the Mediterranean — a key region for the European Union — by examining energy and migration policies. These two issue-areas are crucial in the Union’s strategy for incorporating internal policy objectives into external, multilateral frameworks. The paper assesses the extent to which the EU can be defined as multilateral by exploring the actions of the European Commission and member states in their relations with the different stakeholders concerned with the pursuit of these policies — partner countries and a range of international and non-governmental organisations. The paper will conclude by gauging the extent to which multilateralism can be termed as effective in view of the outcomes of the EU’s engagement with these policy areas at internal and external levels.

Paper prepared within the framework of Mercury, a project funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union. Published in: Caroline Bouchard, John Peterson and Nathalie Tocci (eds.), Multilateralism in the 21st Century. Europe's Quest for Effectiveness, London and New York, Routledge, August 2013, p. 137-156, ISBN 978-0-415-52003-4; 978-0-415-52004-1 (pbk)