(VOVWORLD) -The EU and Southern Mediterranean partner countries jointly launched the Pact for the Mediterranean on Friday in Barcelona, Spain, the European Commission (EC) said in a press release.
The launch took place amid profound changes in terms of socio-economic and geopolitical dynamics in the region in the past three decades. The Mediterranean now needs a more effective and comprehensive cooperation framework.
The new Pact is the result of extensive consultations between the 10 Southern Mediterranean partners, EU member states and institutions, neighboring countries, UN agencies, regional organisations, and civil society. It is built on co-ownership, co-creation, and shared responsibility, and it is based on more than 100 concrete initiatives and a strong governance.
Upon endorsement by partners countries, EU leaders are expected to welcome the Pact in the December European Council meeting.
The EU will prepare its own "dedicated Action Plan", which is scheduled for early 2026 and will specify the participating countries and stakeholders for each initiative.