Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean Convenes in Sharm El-Sheikh Under Egyptian Presidency

The Bureau and Enlarged Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) held their meetings from 11–13 September 2025 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, under the presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Delegations from the parliaments of Egypt, the European Parliament, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Türkiye participated in the sessions.

The meetings were officially opened by H.E. Dr. Hanafi Gebali, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, who underscored the importance of parliamentary dialogue and solidarity in addressing the critical challenges facing the Mediterranean region. H.E. Dr. Gebali emphasized Egypt’s vision of shared ownership and collective responsibility to strengthen security, growth, and prosperity across the Euro-Mediterranean area. He also announced that the presidency of the Assembly will be led by Mr. Mohamed Abou El Enein, Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, citing his extensive experience in international and regional parliamentary diplomacy.

In his remarks, Mr. Abou El Enein, President of the PA-UfM and Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, addressed the grave situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East. He condemned the Israeli government’s continued occupation, settlement expansion, and attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, stressing that such actions cross a “red line” that Egypt and the region firmly reject. He reiterated that the only viable path forward is a just two-state solution, supported consistently by Egypt.

Quoting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Mr. Abou El Enein affirmed: “True peace is not born of bombardment, nor imposed by force, nor achieved by normalization rejected by peoples. Genuine peace is built on justice, fairness, and coexistence.” He also highlighted Egypt’s unparalleled role in humanitarian support, including facilitating aid and hosting over 18,500 Palestinians from Gaza for medical treatment.

The Assembly sessions discussed a broad agenda, with emphasis on strengthening ties between the PA-UfM and other regional and international parliamentary bodies, such as the African and Arab Parliaments. Members agreed to intensify engagement with global partners and to pursue observer status at the United Nations, thereby strengthening the parliamentary dimension within international cooperation frameworks.

The Bureau and Enlarged Bureau adopted a set of priorities to guide the Assembly’s work in the year ahead, including:

• Enhancing economic integration across the Mediterranean in line with the forthcoming Mediterranean Charter promoted by the European Commission.

• Advancing the role of parliaments in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

• Empowering youth, increasing women’s participation in decision-making, and upholding children’s rights as pillars of a stable future.

• Addressing the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin.

The Assembly also confirmed the organization of two major conferences:

• An Economic Cooperation Forum in Cairo (28–29 November 2025), coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process.

• A Youth and Women’s Empowerment Conference (23–24 April 2026).

The meetings concluded with a strong final declaration condemning Israel’s ongoing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Gaza, including forced displacement, blockade, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Assembly called for an immediate, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire; unimpeded humanitarian access; and renewed commitment to the two-state solution as the only just and realistic framework for peace.

Delegates reaffirmed their determination to pursue an ambitious and future-oriented agenda for the Mediterranean, emphasizing that the region’s complex challenges demand dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law.