Union for the Mediterranean was launched in 2008, at the Paris Summit and on the initiative of the French President N. Sarkozy. It brings together 43 countries; 27 EU and 16 Mediterranean countries, including BiH. It is the only European organization of such level and character, in which BiH takes its place as a full member.

The process of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, in this capacity, was formally launched in 2005, in Barcelona. It re-established Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements, known as the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership or Barcelona Process. It was preceded by a Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, held in 1995, in Barcelona.

Euro-Mediterranean Association is a framework for political, economic and social dialogue, connections and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean.

 
The objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation are:

-Peace, security, stability, rule of law and democracy, response to common threats such as terrorism,

-Sustainable economic development, modernization of economic structure, method for advancement of the EU financial assistance management, strengthening of the private economic sector - especially in southern countries of the Association,

-Education and cultural exchange as key factors in the development of the Mediterranean countries, mutual understanding through the diversity of cultures and religions and dialogue among them, promotion of the dialogue of civilizations,

-Justice, security, migration and social integration of immigrants.

 
In the past 15 years, the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation has achieved important goals in the following areas:

- Economic development, contribution to regional stability - particularly the southern circuit of the Mediterranean countries,

-Support to the Middle East peace process,

-Investments of the European Investment Bank,

-Steps towards establishing a free trade zone /EMFTA/,

 - Economic reforms, with financial assistance from the EU,

- Promotion of the South-South regional integration, Agadir Free Trade Zone, which includes Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan,

-Parliamentary cooperation, the Euro Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly,

-Forming Ana Lindh Foundation, dedicated to the dialogue of cultures,

-Promotion of civil society and supporting the work of NGOs,

-Strengthening the democratization of the participating countries in general.

Permanent Representative of BiH in the Union for the Mediterranean is the Ambassador Ivan Orlić.