EU Launches ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’ to Boost Unity, Jobs, and Security

The European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs have unveiled a sweeping new initiative aimed at revitalizing EU relations with Southern Mediterranean countries. Dubbed the “Pact for the Mediterranean – One Sea, One Pact, One Future,” the ambitious strategy seeks to strengthen cooperation across the region and build what the EU calls a “Common Mediterranean Space” — one that is connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure.

Rooted in the principles of co-ownership, co-creation, and joint responsibility, the Pact focuses on practical, high-impact initiatives designed to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities. With a focus on youth, women, small businesses, clean energy, and innovation, the Pact outlines a roadmap for economic integration, people-to-people exchanges, and enhanced regional stability.

The strategy features three main pillars:

The first prioritizes people, education, mobility, and cultural exchange as the main drivers of transformation. Plans include the creation of a new Mediterranean University that will bring together students from across the region, as well as expanded technical and vocational training opportunities. Tourism, heritage, and civil society cooperation will also be emphasized.

The second pillar targets economic resilience and innovation. A Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech initiative (T-MED) and a StartUp4Med platform will lead efforts to modernize trade, boost investment, develop the blue economy, and strengthen digital and transport infrastructure. The strategy also calls for deeper integration of health and agricultural supply chains and investment in critical raw materials.

The third pillar focuses on security, disaster preparedness, and migration management. The EU proposes closer cooperation on border control, operational partnerships against migrant smuggling, and a regional peace and security forum. A “whole-of-route” approach to migration and humanitarian protection is also central to this pillar.

The Pact aims to strengthen EU ties not only with Southern Mediterranean countries but also with partners from the Gulf, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye. It signals a renewed European ambition to act as a catalyst for cooperation between North and South, and across the broader MENA region.