Project Summary

The maxim that economic performance is a core element of socio-political stability has been the guiding principle of European integration since 1945. The EU’s 2004 enlargement followed the successful ‘export’ of this philosophy – and the institutions that make it work – to Central and Eastern Europe, Malta and Cyprus. The next external relations challenge for the EU-25 is to continue spreading peace, security and prosperity throughout its neighbourhood.

The GO-EuroMed project assembles a team of economics and political science institutes from EU and Mediterranean Partner Countries, together reflecting the diversity of a dynamic region. Research will aim to identify multilateral, bilateral and domestic institutional design and management strategies for the key trade, investment and labour sectors. Although these institutions are ostensibly economic, their design and management cannot take place in a political vacuum – indeed, trade, investment and labour are deeply intertwined with domestic and international political processes. The project will evaluate growth strategies in the light of key political and social challenges facing the region, in order to produce economically desirable and politically feasible institutional solutions capable of furthering the Barcelona Process’ goals in the Mediterranean Basin.

The prospect of EU accession proved a powerful ‘carrot’ for Central and Eastern Europeans, encouraging liberalisation, growth and stability during the 1990s. As full membership is not on offer for Mediterranean Partner Countries, the EU needs to work closely with them to ensure that concrete gains for the region and its peoples are realised. Economic growth is the most obvious and tangible benefit – but is hollow unless structured to reach all levels of society. Efficient, legitimate regional institutions may hold the key to improving economic performance – and encouraging socio-political stability – throughout the ‘Wider Europe’ region.