EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on New Pact for the Mediterranean Kick Off in Salé
Salé - The EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on the New Pact for the Mediterranean kicked off Tuesday in Salé, with the aim of fostering Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and addressing the region's shared challenges.
Organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the event is part of the IEMed-led project “Support to the reflection and consultation on the Pact for the Mediterranean.”
The pact is poised to become the European Union’s (EU) main political framework for strengthening cooperation with its Southern neighbors.
Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President of the PCNS, called for an in-depth reflection on the Euro-Mediterranean future relations. “The timing is spot-on to rethink these ties so that countries further reassess their foreign policies.”
” Partners are potentially willing to engage on various issues within the framework of renewed cooperation.” In this regard, El Aynaoui welcomed the EU’s initiative to reconsider its approach through the new Pact for the Mediterranean.
Seven Florins, IEMed Executive President, highlighted the central role played by EuroMeSCO along with IEMed in promoting dialogue and research as well as in strengthening ties between Europe and its southern neighborhood.
He stressed the importance of independent expertise and multilateral cooperation to address the common challenges, especially in a geopolitical context characterized by conflicts and climate emergency and economic disparities.
For his part, Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the new framework established by the Commission, which for the first time dedicates a portfolio exclusively to the Mediterranean region.
He highlighted that this reflects the particular interest the President of the European Commission has in this strategic area, marking an unprecedented evolution in the structuring of Euro-Mediterranean relations.
Running until May 14, the event is bringing together policymakers, experts, researchers, civil society representatives and private sector actors from both shores of the Mediterranean.
Conclusions of the consultations will be taken into account while drafting the New Pact for the Mediterranean, ahead of its expected adoption during the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, with the aim of contributing to the security and well-being of both shores of the Mediterranean.
