Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak's expressed interest in promoting a Mediterranean Union but insisted that all European countries should be involved, following their meeting in Berlin Wednesday.

Merkel also said that no new funding was needed for the project, which has been energetically pursued by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

"The Mediterranean region is politically so important that the whole of Europe must be responsible, not just the countries along the coast," Merkel said, specifically mentioning migration and the economy as key issues.

Merkel called for more contact between Europe and the countries of the southern Mediterranean, welcoming Mubarak's involvement and saying that the process would be advanced only if top political figures became involved.

The budget allocated the process by the European Union - 16 billion euros (25 billion dollars) for 2007-13 - was sufficient, Merkel said, noting that the funding in the current period had not been spent.

Mubarak on Tuesday reiterated his support for Sarkozy's ideas on a Mediterranean Union while on a visit to Paris.

Germany was highly sceptical of Sarkozy's initial plans which were seen as forming a special group including only the 13 EU members along the Mediterranean. (dpa)