:: MEDEA ::

The "Mediterranean Forum" is developed in the margin of the Barcelona process and should not be mistaken for the "Euro-Mediterranean Forum".

The Mediterranean Forum, which was created in 1994 as an instrument at ministerial level at the initiative of Egypt and France, appears presently as the only strictly regional institution of inter-governmental dialogue. One of its special features is its informal character for exchanging ideas and in-depth reflection between Mediterranean riparian countries. Its objectives are mainly cultural, namely to develop comprehension and mutual relations. Decisions are taken at unanimity.

To date, the Mediterranean Forum regroups 11 countries: Algeria, Egypt, France, Grece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey. Non-Mediterranean European countries are excluded from participation.

The Forum convened in Alexandria in July 1994, in Sainte-Maxime (France) in April 1995, in Ravello (Italy) in May 1996, in Algiers in July 1997, in Palma de Majorca (Spain) in April 1998 and in St Julians (Malta) in March 1999, Funchal (Portugal) in March 2000, Tanger (Morocco) in May 2001 and in Mykonos (Greece) in May 2002. The Forum has held two extraordinary sessions, in Tabarka (Tunisia) in July 1995 and in Agadir (Morocco) in October 2001. The next ordinary meeting will take place in Turkey in October 2003. Beside ministerial meetings, the members of the Forum hold meetings at senior level.