EU launches a new agenda for the Mediterranean

Today (9 February) Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood presented a relaunch of the EU’s strategic partnership with the EU’s “Southern Neighbourhood” called “a  new agenda for the Mediterranean”. 

The new agenda includes a dedicated Economic and Investment Plan to spur the long-term socio-economic recovery in the Southern neighbourhood. Under the new EU’s Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), up to €7 billion for the period 2021-2027 would be allocated to its implementation, which aims to mobilise up to €30 billion in private and public investment in the region in the next decade.

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi said: “With the renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood we are presenting a new beginning in our relations with our Southern partners. It shows that Europe wants to contribute directly to a long-term vision of prosperity and stability of the region, especially in the social and economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. In close dialogue with our partners, we have identified a number of priority sectors, from creating growth and jobs, investing in human capital or good governance.

“We consider migration to be a common challenge, where we are ready to work together to fight irregular migration and smugglers together”

“This Communication sends a crucial message about the importance we attach to our Southern Neighbourhood,” said High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, “A strengthened Mediterranean partnership remains a strategic imperative for the European Union. We are determined to work together with our Southern Partners on a new Agenda that will focus on people, especially women and youth, and help them meet their hopes for the future, enjoy their rights and build a peaceful, secure, more democratic, greener, prosperous and inclusive Southern neighbourhood.”

The new agenda focuses on five policy areas:

Human development, good governance and the rule of law: Renew the shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and accountable governance

Resilience, prosperity and digital transition: Support resilient, inclusive, sustainable and connected economies that create opportunities for all, especially women and youth

Peace and security: Provide support to countries to address security challenges and find solutions to ongoing conflicts

Migration and mobility: Jointly address the challenges of forced displacement and irregular migration and facilitate safe and legal pathways for migration and mobility

Green transition: climate resilience, energy, and environment: Taking advantage of the potential of a low-carbon future, protect the region’s natural resources and generate green growth.

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