The European Commission has launched the Mediterranean Action Plan, which comprises 21 actions but does not include any additional funding. “It is not a new financing instrument,” a senior EU official explained. “It will rely on existing budget allocations and other financing instruments. There is no new money.”
The plan, presented in Brussels by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica, consists of 21 actions divided into three pillars.
The first pillar is dedicated to “people.” It includes eight actions, among them the Mediterranean University Initiative, which is not a new university but aims to deepen academic cooperation, research and innovation across the Mediterranean region.
The plan also foresees the creation of a Youth Parliamentary Assembly, enabling young elected representatives from Europe and the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean to meet in a structured forum and contribute to regional policymaking.
The second pillar focuses on “stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies.” It comprises four actions, including the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation Initiative for Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies (T-Med) and its investment platform to accelerate renewable energy, grid and clean technology projects by mobilizing public and private financing, mitigating financial risks and promoting industrial partnerships.
Other measures under this pillar include support for tech companies and a combined public-private investment and policy approach to promote secure digital interconnection across the Mediterranean. Actions will strengthen regional connectivity through submarine cables, improve telecom capacities, encourage regulatory cooperation and facilitate technical exchanges on cybersecurity.
The third pillar is devoted to “Security, preparedness and migration management” and contains the largest number of measures. There are nine actions in total, including a European firefighting centre and a regional hub for disaster preparedness and response based in Cyprus, which will, for the first time, offer support to southern Mediterranean countries.
A joint Mediterranean operation (Med-Op) is also planned to support operational efforts against organized crime, in cooperation with judicial and internal affairs authorities.
Another measure, “Secure Borders,” aims to strengthen operational and institutional border management capacities and security sector governance. Regarding migration management in particular, one action foresees implementing an “end-to-end” approach that addresses migration challenges at their roots and “combats human trafficking” to facilitate “legal pathways.”
The Commission says the Action Plan is a “flexible and dynamic” document that will be regularly updated and adapted to the evolving context through ongoing consultations with stakeholders and partners, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. A second version of the action plan is expected next autumn.