New Pact for the Mediterranean

The EU Council adopted conclusions welcoming the Pact for the Mediterranean on 20 novembre, marking the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration. The Pact confirms the Mediterranean as a strategic priority and aims to strengthen cooperation with southern Mediterranean partners.

Its main goal is to create a Common Mediterranean Space, based on three pillars:

• people, innovation, and connectivity

• stronger, sustainable, and integrated economies

• security, preparedness, and migration management

The Council highlights the need to:

• enhance economic integration, trade, and investment

• develop the blue economy, energy cooperation, and connectivity

• create jobs and reduce social inequalities

Key priorities also include:

• addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and water scarcity

• promoting education, youth employment, and cultural heritage

The Council calls for stronger cooperation in security, conflict prevention, and organised crime, while promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

On migration, it supports a comprehensive, rights-based approach to:

• prevent irregular migration

• protect migrants and refugees

• improve return and readmission policies

Finally, the Council stresses the importance of strategic communication to increase awareness of the Pact.