The EU presents the first Action Plan under the Mediterranean Pact

The European Commission presented the first set of key initiatives, in the form of an Action Plan, to representatives of the EU Member States and the southern Mediterranean countries, with a view toadvancing the implementation of the Mediterranean Pact.

The Pact was developed through a broad and inclusive consultation process involving governments, civil society, young people, the private sector and researchers across the Mediterranean region. This joint effort resulted in over 100 initiatives that will directly benefit citizens and businesses. This first edition of the Action Plan sets out the first21concrete, innovative and collaboratively designed actions to be implemented this year.

The main initiatives that make up the three pillars of the Pact are:

First pillar: People. The driving force for change, connections and innovation:

Eight actions, notably the Mediterranean University Initiative, aimed at deepening academic collaboration, research excellence and innovation across the region; and a Youth Parliamentary Assembly, which will enable young elected representatives from Europe and the southern Mediterranean to come together on a structured platform and contribute to regional policies.

Second pillar: Stronger, sustainable and integrated economies:

Four actions, notably the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation Initiative on Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies (T-MED) and its Investment Platform, seek to accelerate projects in renewable energy, electricity grids and clean technologies by mobilising public and private funding, mitigating financial risks and fostering partnerships with industry. Other actions related to this pillar of the Pact include a ‘Technology Business Offer’ — an integrated approach combining public-private investment with political support — to promote secure and reliable digital interconnectivity across the Mediterranean region. This will be achieved by boosting regional connectivity through submarine cables, improving telecommunications capacity, fostering regulatory cooperation and facilitating technical exchange on cybersecurity.

Third pillar: Security, preparedness and migration management:

Nine actions, including a European Firefighting Centre, a regional centre to improve disaster preparedness and response based in Cyprus, which for the first time will also offer support to southern Mediterranean countries, and a ‘MED-OP’, which will support operational efforts in the fight against serious and organised crime, in cooperation with justice and home affairs agencies. Another action is ‘Secure Borders’, aimed at strengthening operational and institutional capacities for border management and governance in the security sector. With regard to migration management in particular, one of the actions will implement the ‘comprehensive route approach’, tackling migration issues at their source and combating human trafficking to pave the way for legal migration routes.

Next steps

In an increasingly volatile geopolitical context, the EU remains committed to strengthening partnerships in the Mediterranean. The Action Plan is a flexible and dynamic document that will be regularly updated and adapted to the changing context through ongoing consultations with stakeholders and partners, thereby ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. The second version of the Action Plan is expected to be available in autumn 2026. An interactive website will enable stakeholders to identify specific projects and initiatives, explore them by country and sector, and track their progress, ensuring transparency and participation whilst demonstrating the tangible impact of the Pact across the region.

Background

The Pact for the Mediterranean was drawn up by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, and adopted by the College of Ministers in October 2025, prior to its official launch by the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners on 28 November 2025, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.

Based on the principles ofco-creation, co-ownership and shared responsibility, the Pact is the result of an unprecedented inclusive consultation process, ensuring alignment with the real needs and aspirations of citizens on both sides of the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Pact is a joint effort between the EU, its Member States and the southern Mediterranean partners to work together on shared priorities for aconnected, integrated, prosperous, resilient and secureCommon Mediterranean Area.

The initiatives proposed under the Pact werewell received by Member Statesduring theForeign Affairs Councilmeetingon 20 November 2025, as well as atthe European Council meeting on 18 December 2025.Leaders called for swift and efficient implementation, based on the principles of co-creation, co-ownership, mutual interest and joint responsibility.

More information: European Commission.