The governments of the EU member states are backing the EU Commission for its “Pact for the Mediterranean”. At the same time, the Council is calling for greater cooperation for safe maritime traffic in the region.
The body of heads of government, the European Council, explicitly welcomed the pact in a statement. The statement coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration, which laid the foundations for a comprehensive partnership between the EU and ten southern Mediterranean countries.
The Pact, which was presented by the European Commission and the EU High Representative on October 16, aims to confirm the Mediterranean as a strategic priority for the EU and to strengthen the EU’s relations with its Southern Mediterranean partners and create common opportunities.
The Council emphasized the importance of building bridges between people and countries that promote mutual understanding and provide opportunities for sustainable growth and development. “There is enormous potential for further strengthening economic integration and promoting sustainable trade and investment, diversification of economies and value chains, development of the blue economy, energy cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the countries of the Southern Mediterranean.”
Combating climate change, environmental degradation and water scarcity in the Mediterranean region is mentioned as a key point. Security is also explicitly mentioned. In the statement, the Council calls for greater cooperation in areas of common interest such as peace, security and defence – including on issues of conflict prevention, mediation and organized crime – strengthening maritime safety and security, as well as enhancing the capabilities of the Mediterranean partners and facilitating cross-regional exchanges.
Cooperation with partners in the southern Mediterranean is needed to uphold and promote human rights, good governance, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
