New union for European nations

France is set to propose the establishment of the Mediterranean Union in addition to the European Union, according to the French Foreign Minister and a presidential contender Nicholas Sarkozy.

"If the European Union wants to be able to functiom, it cannot expand indefinitely", he said to justify his initiative.

In the view of Sarkozy, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Cyprus should join the Mediterranean Union apart from France.

The new union could cooperate tightly with the European Union and even establish common institutions. The new grouping could also give a chance to Turkey to become closer to th European community, according to the French Foreign Minister.