Convergence on the fringe: The environmental dimension of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation

This article examines environmental policy convergence in the Mediterranean from three different perspectives. First, it describes the main features of this convergence. Namely, that convergence is more about principles and approaches than about environmental quality standards, and that it is undifferentiated in sectoral and geographical terms, but there is scope for normative differentiation. Secondly, the article explores the strategies available to promote convergence. Actors in charge of environmental Euro-Mediterranean cooperation cannot resort to conditionality, and thus have developed two alternative strategies, functional cooperation and international legitimation. Finally, the article reviews the results delivered by these strategies. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.