Workshop on the revised Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Rules of Origin (PEM Convention)

Barcelona, 1–2 December 2025 – The UfM, with the support of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), organized a Regional Workshop on the revised Regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Rules of Origin (PEM Convention) in Barcelona, on 1–2 December 2025, in close cooperation with the European Commission (DG TRADE and DG TAXUD).

The workshop built on a series of national training activities previously organized by the UfM, with the support of GIZ, over the past years. These activities have benefited several South Mediterranean Member Countries, in line with the Joint Statement adopted at the 11th UfM Trade Ministers’ Conference held on 10 November 2020.

Implemented by DG TAXUD, the Regional Workshop provided a timely opportunity to familiarize participants with the revised rules and to facilitate an exchange of views and experiences among Customs, Governments and private sector representatives of Contracting Parties (CPs) to the PEM Convention, which entered into force on 1 January 2025, with transitional provisions applicable until 31 December 2025. This initiative came as contribution to the effective implementation of the revised PEM rules of origin, thereby facilitating trade within the PEM area.

In their opening remarks, Said Charna (UfM Secretariat) and Alicia Figueroa (GIZ) reiterated the UfM’s commitment, supported by GIZ, to promoting regional trade as driver of sustainable and inclusive economic development. Alexandru Marinescu (DG TAXUD, European Commission) stressed DG TAXUD’s readiness to support Contracting Parties in implementing the new Convention.

The participants commended the UfM’s efforts in providing platforms for dialogue and capacity-building activities for the benefit of stakeholders across the region, particularly on key topics such as rules of origin, and called for more similar initiatives in the future.

The event featured presentations on cumulation possibilities, wholly obtained and tolerance rules, accounting segregation, product-specific rules, as well as proof of origin and its digitalization. The program also included a field visit to the Port of Barcelona, with a presentation by Jordi Torrent, Secretary General of MedPorts, on its activities during a boat tour of the port facilities.