EU and Southern Mediterranean partners launch the Pact for the Mediterranean in Barcelona

On November 28, Ministers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean partner countries gathered in Barcelona to jointly launch the Pact for the Mediterranean: an historic moment for the EU’s deeper cooperation with Mediterranean countries. The launch took place on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a partnership that promotes cooperation and stability between the EU and Mediterranean countries, through shared initiatives. This is another major step toward a more stable, secure and prosperous Common Mediterranean Space.

High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica co-chaired the launch event, which was attended by Ministers from across Europe and the Mediterranean, showing the importance of this enhanced partnership.

Thirty years after the signature of the Barcelona Declaration, the EU and Southern Mediterranean partners have embarked on a new chapter of collective engagement. In over three decades, the region has changed profoundly – with new challenges and geopolitical dynamics, but also with new opportunities for cooperation. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, the Mediterranean is at the heart of EU’s action more than ever.

The Pact for the Mediterranean, presented in October, sets an ambitious and practical framework for the years ahead. It is built on co-ownership, co-creation, and shared responsibility, and it is based on more than 100 concrete initiatives and a strong governance.

The 10^th Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum (UfM) followed the event and offered a unique moment to address the region’s most pressing challenges, including the situation in the Middle East. As the meeting marked the 30^th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, the Ministers endorsed the UfM’s new strategic vision of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. With its convening power and experience in building regional networks and flagship projects, UfM will be an important partner in the roll-out of the Pact.

Next steps

Following the launch event in Barcelona and upon endorsement by partners countries, EU leaders are expected to welcome the Pact in the December European Council meeting.

The preparation of a dedicated Action Plan will then follow. This dedicated action plan, to be presented in early 2026, will specify the participating countries and stakeholders for each initiative.

Background

Put forward by the European Commission and the High Representative on 16 October 2025, and welcomed by EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council of 20 November, the Pact confirms the Mediterranean region as a strategic priority for the EU.

Born out of a collaborative and inclusive approach, the Pact is the result of an extensive consultation process that brought together the 10 Southern Mediterranean partners, EU Member States and institutions, neighbouring countries, UN agencies, regional organisations, and civil society.

The Pact seeks to drive meaningful change and unlock new opportunities for growth, stability, and cooperation across the Mediterranean region. This will be done by building on and scaling up existing programmes.

More information: European Commission