A summit of European Union and Mediterranean countries concluded Sunday with the approval of six cooperation projects as well as principles of the functioning of the Union for the Mediterranean.

The approved six cooperation projects concentrate on environment protection, disaster relief and cooperation on development of clean energy.

At a closing news conference, French President Nicolas Sarkozy explained the significance of the meeting.

"It was an extraordinary gamble to bring together in the same room, all the countries of Europe and all the countries of the Mediterranean, including those from the southern shores of the Mediterranean."

The Paris summit brought together heads of state and government of all 27 EU nations and 16 leaders from North Africa, the Middle East and Western Balkans.

The Union for the Mediterranean was Sarkozy's brainchild and was timed to coincide with the French presidency of the European Union.

Leaders attending the summit agreed the unprecedented Union will hold one summit in every two years.

Sunday's meeting was seen as more significant for the bodies gathered than for any immediate progress it has achieved.