The Pact for the Mediterranean: A renewed partnership for a Common Mediterranean Space

From the beginning of civilisation, the Mediterranean has been more than just a sea between continents: It has been a cradle of culture, trade, and exchange. The ties we share are centuries old, rooted in history and enriched by the diversity of our peoples. These bonds remind us that our future is also shared, and that cooperation is part of our DNA.

In a world of profound geo-strategic and economic uncertainties, closer cooperation amongst partners is not just a choice, it is the way forward. And it is in this mindset that we are bringing Euro-Mediterranean cooperation to a new level. We are creating a Common Mediterranean Space.

In October, the European Commission adopted the new Pact for the Mediterranean. The timing could not be better. In November, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration which inaugurated the cooperation framework between the European Union, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The Pact for the Mediterranean

We are strengthening our partnership through the Pact for the Mediterranean. We have designed it reflecting our common aspirations in a spirit of joint ownership and co-creation. Our ambition is clear. We are paving the way towards a greater integration of the common Mediterranean space..

The new Pact is a partnership of equals. And we will implement it through a joint Action Plan which we are going to start rolling out in the first half of 2026. The Pact has been shaped through broad and inclusive consultations in the first place with partners from across the Southern Neighbourhood and the EU. Many excellent ideas have been put forward, and we will build on them to ensure the Pact responds to the real needs and interests of all. 

People, prosperity, security

Our approach with the Pact for the Mediterranean combines a political vision – the integration of the Euro-Mediterranean space – with a pragmatic approach.  One with transformative initiatives in key areas with a positive impact for citizens and our societies. 

The Pact is a process structured around three pillars.

Firstly, we are putting people at the centre.

It is people who drive change, foster exchange, and spark innovation. We want to empower the Mediterranean youth by investing in higher education, vocational training, and jobs. Let us not forget that many of them in the Southern Neighbourhood are not in education, employment, or training. And we seek to promote a common space for cultural exchange and sports. 

Secondly, we want to unlock the full potential of our economies. 

Changing global trade patterns bring new opportunities for the diversification of supply and production chains. And we can also boost intra-regional economic integration in the Southern Mediterranean.

Our aim is to ensure that investment opportunities are matched with appropriate financing, especially from the private sector. We will build on the Global Gateway initiative. 

Let me mention the Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED) as a prominent example. We can achieve faster decarbonisation, increase our energy production and supply, and ultimately the competitiveness of all our countries. 

 Apart from strengthening the Blue Economy, we want to improve digital connectivity and decarbonised transport throughout the region. We want to boost sustainable economic development and create the quality jobs needed for young people. 

The third dimension of the New Pact is strengthening our cooperation on security, resilience, and migration management.

We want to reinforce our joint capacity and preparedness to react to natural and human disasters, including through a new European Firefighting Hub based in Cyprus. And the effective management of migration in a safe and orderly manner is important. This requires a whole-of-route approach including the prevention of illegal border crossings, the fight against migrants smuggling and the trafficking in human beings, and close collaboration on integrated border management. 

Neighbours of our neighbours

The Euro-Mediterranean partnership needs friends and allies. The reformed Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) will be an important partner – with its unique convening power and inclusive membership.  

We must also look beyond the Mediterranean. Cooperation with the neighbours of our neighbours is crucial. The Gulf countries bring considerable political and financial clout, as well as a strong interest in stability, connectivity, and investment.

We have just witnessed their constructive engagement in humanitarian, development, and peace issues during the United Nations 80th General Assembly. Their engagement can help us address shared challenges — from energy transition and climate resilience to economic diversification and youth employment. 

The Pact also includes elements that are relevant for the wider African continent. Major initiatives, such as T-MED, legal migration projects, climate resilience and green transition, skills exchanges, digital connectivity transportation projects and trade facilitation, have the potential for broader continental impact. 

Embarking on a Common Mediterranean Space

2025 marks a new milestone in the reinvigoration of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. Together, we can make the new Pact a powerful instrument of prosperity, peace, and stability.