EU promises additional funds for projects in Mediterranean

BRUSSELS, July 10 -- The European Commission on Friday announced an additional contribution of 72 million euros (100 million U.S. dollars) for projects in the Mediterranean region for 2009-2010.

The funds will focus on the de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, maritime and land highways, solar energy, higher education and research, and supporting investment in businesses, said the executive body of the European Union.

The announcement was made on the eve of the first anniversary of the launching of the Union for the Mediterranean.

Before this new package, the commission had allocated 18 million euros for the region.

The Union for the Mediterranean, a partnership between the EU and its neighbors around the Mediterranean, was created last summer under the leadership of France, which at that time held the EU presidency. However, little progress has been made since its launch.