History

1995

Barcelona Process

The Barcelona Process was launched in 1995 with the aim to strengthen relations between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean countries, in the framework of an enhanced Euro-Mediterranean association that contributes to achieve peace and security in the region.

2008

Launch of the Union for the Mediterranean

The Union for the Mediterranean was launched by a decision of the UfM Heads of State and Government in Paris in July 2008.

2010

Setting up of the UfM Secretariat

The UfM Secretariat was created in Barcelona in 2010 serving as the operational institution that empowers the regional dialogue among the UfM Member States and stakeholders, fostering synergies and coordination among them and promoting regional projects and initiatives with a direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

2017

During the second UfM Regional Forum, held in January 2017, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Member States adopted the Roadmap “The Union for the Mediterranean: an action-driven organisation with a common ambition”

2020

25th Anniversary of the Barcelona Process and
a Renewed post-2020 Mediterranean agenda

The fifth edition of the UfM Regional Forum commemorated the launch of the Barcelona Process and declared 28 November as the ‘Day of the Mediterranean’, to be observed from now on each year with a view to fostering a common Mediterranean identity while promoting intercultural exchanges and embracing the diversity of the region. The EU proposed a new, ambitious and innovative Agenda for the Mediterranean, within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

To date

•  +60 labelled projects
• +35 UfM sectoral Ministerial Meetings
• Annual UfM Regional Fora with UfM Ministers of Foreign Affairs
• Launch of the UfM Grant Schemes for Employment