France in 'semantic shift' over proposed Mediterranean Union[fr][de] 

Jouyet described this new phrase as a "semantic shift" that is "not neutral", indicating that the French presidency wishes to appease EU-wide criticism of the controversial Mediterranean Union project. 

The proposal for a union between EU and non-EU Mediterranean states has come under heavy criticism, most notably in Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel said that "there must not be a Europe of private functions" (see EurActiv 13/12/07). 

The Mediterranean frontier is key for the EU, said Jouyet, and poses enormous demographic and geostrategic risks. He argued "integration in the Mediterranean zone must be stronger" and the proposed union could offer new possibilities for "dialogue between civilisations". 

He also said he was "optimistic" that an agreement could be found between all EU member states. 

Meanwhile, a meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Markel, initially planned for 3 March, has been postponed until June, EurActiv France reports . According to German daily Die Welt, the rescheduling was due to disagreements over the French Mediterranean Union proposal.

Jouyet also made it clear that France would not formally endorse Tony Blair or any other potential candidate for the job of EU Council president at this point. 

According to Jouyet, France has no favoured candidate and will not comment on the matter before the end of 2008. He did say, however, that the person in question would need charisma, the requisite experience, and the ability to energise the work of the European Council.

President Nicolas Sarkozy had previously offered strong hints that Blair was his preferred nominee, praising him as the "most European" of UK prime ministers.