UfM Secretary General holds series of meetings in Brussels with the European Commission DGs

31 January- 2 February 2022, Brussels. UfM Secretary General, Nasser Kamel, visited the main counterparts of the UfMS within the EEAS and DG NEAR and held bilateral meetings with the European Commission DGs directly involved in the organization of the Ministerial meetings scheduled in 2022.

The Secretary General met with Head of Division Birgit Loeser and Managing Director Fernando Gentilini and Deputy Managing Director Carl Hallergard.  From DG NEAR, the meeting was hosted by Acting Director Neighborhood South Henrike Trautmann. 

The Secretary General shared his vision and priorities for the UfM, as well as the main initiatives and projects that will be carried out in 2022. 

The SG also took this opportunity to meet bilaterally with the European Commission Director Generals directly involved in the organization of the Ministerial meetings scheduled for 2002, namely Trade, Employment and Labor, Transports, Research and Innovation, Sustainable Urban Development and Gender.

The European Commission reiterated its engagement in the UfM action and highlighted the significant added value a regional organization such as the UfM brings to the work of the Commission in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Secretary General was also invited to a working breakfast with the Political and Security Committee of the European Union (COPS) hosted by the Spanish Permanent Representation. The SG took the opportunity to recall the convening power of the UfM and its role in enhancing regional cooperation, dialogue and the implementation of projects and initiatives crucial for the stability of the region.

The Secretary General took the opportunity to meet with the EESC External Relations committee and exchange on reinforcing the cooperation between the two institutions.