Regional integration: towards an inclusive value chain strategy in the Mediterranean

Following the publication of the first edition of the UfM Progress Report on Regional Integration in May 2021, the UfM has been mobilising its ecosystem of partners and stakeholders to act upon the recommendations emanating from the Report and the obstacles identified in all five domains of economic integration.

Barcelona, 27 April 2023 – The UfM and the German Development Cooperation co-organised the Online UfM Conference on Regional Integration and Regional Value Chains on 27 April 2023 under the auspices of The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta. The Conference focused on two thematics of paramount importance for the Mediterranean, namely “Economic Integration in times of crisis” and “What does a Green Transition mean for regional value chains?”

The welcoming remarks were delivered by the Nasser Kamel, UfM Secretary General, and by Ian Borg, Minster of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta. The Conference brought together representatives of several regional and international organisations, think tanks and NGOs, in addition to representatives of the Maltese business community.

Among the key messages emanating from the discussion was the need for better regulatory conversion within and between the different sub-regions, the importance of engaging the civil society early on in the dialogue, the relevance of an integrated approach that takes into consideration gender and environmental values, and the damage caused by restrictions on mobility of people between and within both shores of the Mediterranean. The panelists also called for a more active role for the UfM in promoting energy integration in terms of connectivity and policy harmonization.