Focus point: Political sciences - The Solar Plan for the Mediterranean : The Solar Partnership Between Africa and Europe in the Shadow of Politics

Abstract

At the inaugural Summit of the Union for the Mediterranean in July 2008, 40 heads of government and state from the Mediterranean adjoining states and the 27 members of the European Union agreed, among other things, on the Solar Plan for the Mediterranean. It was of particular importance for the Federal Republic of Germany and involves building solar power plants in the desert regions of North Africa and in this way supplying Europe with electricity. This solar plan can be an important pillar of an integrated climate and energy policy in Europe. It can contribute to a reduced dependence on energy sources that are harmful to the climate like coal, natural gas, and oil but also nuclear energy. The Solar Power Partnership could be an important building block for Europeans to achieve their climate targets.