Strengthening ties with EU institutions for a thriving Mediterranean Region
23 January 2025, Brussels – The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Nasser Kamel visited Brussels on January 22 and 23, where he held meetings with the newly appointed EU HR/VP and UfM Co-President Kaja Kallas, and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica. He also addressed the Plenary Session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood.
In their meeting, HR/VP Kallas and SG Kamel discussed the future of the Euro-Mediterranean region ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process. SG Kamel underlined the UfM’s role as the leading multilateral platform for dialogue and cooperation in the region and highlighted the importance of UfM’s active engagement, from an early stage, in the consultations for the elaboration of the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean.
SG Kamel and Commissioner Šuica had constructive exchanges on tackling common challenges in the region, such as climate action, economic growth and social progress. They also discussed advancing the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean through an inclusive consultation process.
Addressing members of the EESC during the plenary session on EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, the UfM Secretary General stated that the appointment of Commissioner Šuica represents as a clear signal that the Euro-Mediterranean region remains high on the EU’s strategic agenda.
“The new EU Pact for the Mediterranean will enable us to capitalise on shared opportunities, particularly in green and digital transitions, while fostering inclusive societies and economies for all, with a special focus on women and youth,” said Secretary General Kamel.
The UfM Secretary General stressed the importance of the social dimension for stability in the Euro-Mediterranean basin, and of civil society engagement. “The EU and its Southern neighbours, with the support of the UfM, can build a Mediterranean that thrives on its diversity, draws strength from its shared challenges and unlocks its full potential,” he concluded.
