Sub-regional processes in North Africa and the Middle East are still an unresolved matter despite the development of several initiatives in the region during the last thirty years. The evolution of these processes conditions broader cooperation at regional level, which is currently in a period of stand-by. Hence, the success or the failure of sub-regional processes may be a conditioning factor for processes of regional cooperation or integration.

Leaving apart some necessary and sufficient conditions for any process of regional cooperation, the paper understands that there are four key elements that may affect and determine the evolution of any sub-regional process. These elements are: institutions, leadership, agenda and external factors. In this respect, the paper finds that these variables may determine the evolution of a cooperation process and the possibility of achieving a lasting cooperation project in the sub-region.