Today, the Council approved conclusions welcoming the pact for the Mediterranean. This coincides with the marking of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration, which laid the foundations for a comprehensive partnership between the EU and ten countries in the southern Mediterranean.
The pact, which was put forward by the European Commission and the EU High Representative on 16 October 2025, confirms the Mediterranean region as a strategic priority for the EU, and aims to reinforce the EU’s relations with its southern Mediterranean partners, creating joint opportunities.
The conclusions support the central objective of the pact which is to create a Common Mediterranean Space. To this end, the pact establishes a framework for deepen cooperation, built around three thematic pillars:
- people: driving force for change, connections and innovation
- stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies
- security, preparedness, and migration management
The Council emphasises the importance of creating bridges among people and countries that foster mutual understanding and provide opportunities for sustainable growth and development. There is enormous potential to further increase economic integration and promote sustainable trade and investments, diversification of economies and value chains, development of the blue economy, energy cooperation as well as connectivity between the EU and the southern Mediterranean countries. The objective is to create job opportunities and ensure stability and economic resilience to address existing social inequalities and contribute to social cohesion.
The Council also underlines that tackling climate change, environmental degradation and water scarcity in the Mediterranean, notably through the implementation of the Barcelona Convention, remains a shared priority together with maintaining focus on education and youth employment, protecting and valorising cultural heritage and addressing demographic challenges.
Furthermore, the Council calls for enhanced cooperation in areas of common interest, such as strengthening peace, security and defence cooperation, including on conflict prevention, mediation, organised crime and maritime safety and security, as well as strengthening the capabilities of Mediterranean partners, and facilitating cross-regional exchanges.
The Council emphasises the need for working jointly with the southern Mediterranean partners towards upholding and promoting human rights, good governance, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
Concerning migration, the Council supports managing migration jointly in a comprehensive, whole-of-government, whole-of-route and rights-based approach, with a view to preventing irregular migration, improving the protection of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in vulnerable situations, and pursuing an effective return and readmission policy, among other things.
To enhance awareness and understanding of the political engagement under the pact, the Council stresses the need for robust outreach and strategic communication.
Details
- Publication date
- 20 November 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf