Economic breaktrough by the Mediterranean countries in the context of EU enlargement

For a long time the European Communities pursued a reactive, rather than a proactive policy stance towards the Mediterranean, insofar as they tended to follow events, not influence them beforehand. No overall policy concept emerged, probably because of differences of interest among EC/EU member states. Several agreements were reached with individual Mediterranean countries, however, they were limited by being bilateral and having no multicultural or institutional background. The Community's policy towards the Mediterranean had changed by the 1990s. As the Cold War ceased, the problems moved from the Eastern part of Europe to the South. In December 1990, the 12 member-states introduced a ‘New Mediterranean Policy’. Despite a good start, the eventual results were insufficient for the Mediterranean countries. The funds came mostly from the European Bank and investments were not executed because of the risks. The protectionist trade policies of the EC left the Mediterranean region with a trade deficit with the Community. The aid extended was clearly insufficient to treat the social problems, and that the economies of the developing countries called for a different breakdown of the aid programme.