A Mediterranean that delivers for its folks

In a world of profound geo-strategic and financial uncertainties, nearer cooperation amongst companions and with neighbours is the best way ahead. It is on this mindset that we are actually constructing a Common Mediterranean Space. We are bringing our cooperation to a brand new degree – by proposing the Pact for the Mediterranean. The Pact is about joint actions primarily based on shared pursuits and mutual advantages. Its structure is versatile and open to new fields.

 

Our story of the strengthened partnership between the EU and the nations of our Southern Neighbourhood begins with folks. People of all generations are on the coronary heart of this new Pact. The Mediterranean’s best useful resource, nonetheless, is its youth, its expertise, its creativity. Yet too usually, alternatives cease at obstacles between nations.

The Pact, due to this fact, begins out with a daring concept: a Mediterranean University connecting college students from north and south, east and west of the Mare Nostrum. Through shared programs, summer time colleges, joint levels, and mobility alternatives, and someday, joint campuses, folks will study to talk the identical language of cooperation and innovation.

Cultural ties and numerous identities are our comfortable energy. We will promote cultural exchanges and heritage and help sustainable tourism. And as a result of sports activities carry folks collectively, our #BeActive campaigns and the help for the Mediterranean Games will strengthen our bonds and promote equality via participation.

The second chapter of this story is about constructing prosperity, constructing a extra built-in and sustainable Mediterranean financial system. Our aim is evident – vitalising commerce and funding, creating high quality jobs and alternatives. We will take away pointless obstacles and construct belief for traders.

We intend to spice up entrepreneurship, specifically for start-ups and SMEs. Digital transformation is one other key driver. Through the Tech Business Offer, we are going to strengthen connectivity by way of the MEDUSA and Blue-Raman cables, lengthen 5G, and empower rural areas. Together we are going to construct a really built-in digital financial system in supporting AI, information infrastructure, and cybersecurity coaching.

And we wish to construct a future with clear power and power safety. The Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Initiative (T-MED) will put money into photo voltaic, wind, and hydrogen, turning the Mediterranean right into a powerhouse of unpolluted power. A T-MED Investment Platform will carry collectively private and non-private financing, whereas a T-MED Skills Agenda will make sure that no one is left behind on this inexperienced transition.

With the Blue Mediterranean Health and Wealth Initiative, we’re going to put money into sustainable fisheries, clear seas, and maritime innovation. And via new and present transport corridors and networks, we are going to join folks and items extra effectively — by rail, highway, sea, and air. Clean fuels and smarter city mobility will make this sustainable.

Our remaining chapter is about safety, preparedness, and migration administration. No prosperity can flourish with out stability. We are going to step up our cooperation on safety.  We will forestall battle, counter disinformation, and reply to threats – from cyberattacks to violent extremism. And a Disaster Preparedness programme will construct an AI-based Early Warning System, improve meals safety, and develop civil safety together with a brand new firefighting hub for your entire area.

Migration administration stays one in every of our most vital shared challenges. Through the whole-of-route strategy, we intend to strengthen border administration and forestall unlawful migration. We wish to strengthen the combat towards migrants’ smuggling and trafficking in human beings. We will help voluntary return and reintegration of migrants and improve cooperation on returns from the EU. We will operationalise judicial and regulation enforcement cooperation to strengthen the combat towards critical crime and terrorism. Migration will also be seen as a possibility by selling protected and authorized pathways of labour migration via expertise partnerships and mobility. 

The Pact for the Mediterranean isn’t just a political declaration. It is an motion plan for tangible outcomes. And all initiatives must be open to participation by the neighbours of our neighbours, specifically the Gulf nations.

Opportunities for folks, stronger economies, and extra safety for all. Let us embark on a joint journey and create a really Common Mediterranean Space. 

One Sea. One Pact. One Future.

By Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean