The European Commission has presented the first Action Plan for the implementation of the Mediterranean Pact, marking the transition from political commitments to concrete actions. This first edition provides for 21 innovative and co-designed actions, which will be launched over the course of the year and aim to generate tangible benefits for citizens and businesses across the entire Mediterranean region.
The Plan is structured around three main pillars, which reflect the strategic priorities of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
The first pillar, dedicated to people as drivers of change, focuses on connectivity and innovation. Among the eight planned actions, the Mediterranean University Initiative stands out, designed to strengthen academic cooperation, promote excellence in research and foster innovation. This is complemented by the creation of a Youth Parliamentary Assembly, which will offer young representatives from Europe and the Southern Mediterranean a structured space to contribute to the development of regional policies.
The second pillar focuses on stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies. Among the four main actions is the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Cooperation Initiative (T-MED), accompanied by an investment platform to accelerate the development of projects in renewable energy, electricity grids and clean technologies. The objective is to mobilise public and private capital, reduce financial risks and encourage industrial partnerships. This also includes a “Tech Business Offer”, an integrated approach combining investment and policy support to strengthen digital connectivity in the region through submarine cables, improved telecommunications infrastructure, regulatory cooperation and cybersecurity exchanges.
The third pillar concerns security, preparedness and migration management, with nine actions planned. These include the creation of a European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus, which will improve disaster response capacity and, for the first time, provide support also to Southern Mediterranean countries. The “MED-OP” programme is also foreseen, aimed at strengthening the fight against organised crime through cooperation with relevant agencies. The “Secure Borders” initiative will aim to improve border management and security governance, while on migration a full pathway approach will be adopted, addressing root causes and combating human trafficking, while also promoting legal pathways.
According to Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission: “The Mediterranean Pact will mobilise billions in European investments with over 100 projects, many of which are related to security. We will do much more to jointly address common challenges, from drug trafficking to human trafficking, and disaster mitigation. The Pact will help make the region stronger, more stable and more prosperous.”
The Action Plan is designed as a dynamic and flexible instrument, to be updated regularly in order to adapt to the evolving geopolitical context. The Commission has already announced a second version expected in autumn 2026. In addition, an interactive web platform will allow stakeholders to monitor projects, explore them by country and sector, and track their progress, ensuring transparency and participation.
The Mediterranean Pact was developed by the European Commission and the European External Action Service and was adopted by the College in October 2025, ahead of its official launch by the EU and Southern Mediterranean partners on 28 November 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.