Abstract

Cross-border cooperation (CBC) in the Mediterranean region is an effective instrument of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) that gives different opportunities which have a positive influence on the aspects of the “wider” security – political, economic, social, ecological and cultural security. Seven members of the European Union and ten partners from the North Africa and the Middle East take part in the Mediterranean CBC.

The Mediterranean CBC is analysed as a system with two environments – external and internal. The report presents PESTEC-analysis and SWOT-analysis. Also, it shows the logical relation between external factors, internal characteristics and future results of cross-border projects. Applying a strategic tool of TOWS-analysis, it helps identify relevant strategic options that the Mediterranean CBC could pursue. Furthermore, the TOWS analysis enables to develop “maxi-maxi” strategies – those with the greatest potential for successful and effective CBC in regard to the aspects of the “wider” security.