• The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean was an institutional partner of the Tangier region for MedCOP Climate 2016, which took place in Tangier on 18 and 19 July 2016 and was attended by more than 2,000 representatives of the Mediterranean countries, civil society, various international and regional organisations, economic stakeholders and experts. • MedCOP Climate 2016 provided a forum to present various initiatives and projects supported by the UfM that are helping to formulate a Mediterranean climate agenda, such as the creation of a Mediterranean network of young people working on climate issues; the Regional Committee for… read more
Barcelona, 15 July 2016. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean strongly condemns the terrorist attack perpetrated in Nice yesterday, on Bastille Day, killing more than 80 people, including children. It presents its condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its profound solidarity with the people and the Government of France. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean reiterates its firm condemnation of all acts of terrorism, extremism and violence. It reaffirms its unshakeable faith in the values of dialogue and peace and joins the international community in the fight against terrorism and the defense of… read more
• Representatives of the main institutions working in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region met on 11-12 July 2016 at Casa Árabe, Madrid, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain, to strengthen their synergies and complementarities and take joint action for wider and more significant impact in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue. • Participants agreed to work towards a Euro-Mediterranean agenda, exchanging good practices, developing joint actions and supporting regional events, such as the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Forum 2016, which will take place in Valletta, Malta, on 24 and 25 October 2016…. read more
• The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council and the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean have concluded a partnership agreement to reinforce regional cooperation and integration in the Mediterranean within the framework of the MedCOP Climate 2016, which will take place in Tangier on 18 and 19 July. • Ilyas El Omari, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, emphasised that “The regions are orchestrating action plans in response to the challenges they face. We must mobilise all non-state actors – towns, businesses, associations and the research community – to rapidly devise and implement all the solutions. Adapting to climate… read more
Strasbourg, 7 July 2016. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of European Commission met today with the Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Fathallah Sijilmassi, to exchange views on activities of the UfM. HRVP Mogherini and Secretary General Sijilmassi discussed the preparations for the second UfM Regional Forum – an annual conference of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from all 43 UfM Member states (due in November). Secretary General Sijilmassi informed the High Representative/Vice President about the progress in preparation of the UfM Road Map, a strategic document which will provide the framework for… read more
EU and Mediterranean partner countries face common challenges when it comes to climate change, economic growth, foster the social inclusion and strengthen local development. To discuss on opportunities and ways of cooperation within the forestry sector Mr. Almotaz Abadi (Water & Envionment Division) and Dr. Enrique Doblas (CREAF research coordinator and manager of the MENFRI project) met on the 23rd of May 2016 at the UfM headquarters in Barcelona. The Mediterranean Network of Forestry Research and Innovation is well placed to contribute to forestry issues. At the same time the discussion touched also upon the opportunity to create an expert… read more
Barcelona, 30 June, 2016. The Mediterranean is facing challenges on an unprecedented scale that are linked to terrorism, extremism and uncontrolled migration, but also to pressing environmental and socio-economic issues such as climate change and youth unemployment. There is also a largely untapped potential of opportunities ready to be seized in the region. Effective regional integration is more essential than ever in order to ensure a better socio-economic future for the Mediterranean, a necessary condition for stability in the region. Under the leadership of the UfM Co-Presidency, held by the EU and Jordan, and the active involvement of all Member… read more
Barcelona, 29 June 2016. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean strongly condemns the terrorist attacks perpetrated at the Airport of Istanbul yesterday. It presents its condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its profound solidarity with the people and the Government of Turkey and with all victims of terrorism. The Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean reiterates its firm condemnation of all acts of terrorism, extremism and violence. It reaffirms its unshakeable faith in the values of dialogue and peace and joins the international community in the fight against terrorism and the defense of universal… read more
• The Senior Officials of the Union for the Mediterranean met for the third time during this year in Amman, Jordan, back-to-back with the 1st UfM Ministerial Meeting on Regional Cooperation and Planning. • The UfM Senior Officials approved four new regional cooperation projects, bringing the total number of UfM-labelled projects to 45…. read more
The UfM Secretariat is partnering with France’s Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME) in the launch of a competition to foster public initiatives promoting adaptation to climate change impacts…. read more
