UfM Secretariat takes part in the launch of the new phase of the Cross Border Cooperation programme in the Mediterranean Basin

Barcelona, 12 December 2014 –The  ‘Mediterranean Sea Basin’ Cross Border Cooperation Programme (ENPI CBC Med), supported by the European Union, will help set up and implement projects focused on key priority areas by bringing together partners from the European Union and the Southern Mediterranean region.

The UfM and CBC Med are both focused on promoting effective cooperation efforts that allow transforming policy priorities into concrete projects and initiatives by bringing together all relevant actors and stakeholders in the region, including member states, international organisations, financial institutions, the civil society and the private sector.

The UfM Secretariat welcomes the new phase of the CBC Med as there is a shared conviction of the need for more coordination and greater synergies in the region, in addition to a common commitment to respond to Euro-Mediterranean challenges through regional and sub-regional action.

During the conference, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Fathallah Sijilmassi remarked that “the current socio-economic challenges in the region require us to take action and work together. It is of utmost importance to respond to unemployment, namely by fostering growth in the private sector, investing in human resources, promoting inclusive societies and encouraging a sustainable use of natural resources”. “Synergies, partnerships and coordination are essential to deliver results”, concluded the Secretary General.

The UfM Secretariat and CBC Med share the same commitment to concrete and flexible solutions to address real issues in the region and to encourage ownership and initiatives emerging from the communities and countries themselves. Within their respective mandates, the UfM Secretariat and CBC Med are working towards an operational partnership to collaborate on joint initiatives, promote new ideas and responses, as well as to capitalise on projects and initiatives already carried out.