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REPORT (2026/2035(INI))

On a new co-ownership for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean

A-10-2026-0239

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Nicola Zingaretti

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's resolution welcomes the Pact for the Mediterranean as a chance to renew EU relations with southern Mediterranean partners on the basis of co-ownership, shared responsibility and people-centred cooperation. It calls for the Pact to rest on respect for international law, human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and for a shift from donor-recipient dynamics to co-creation with civil society, local authorities, trade unions and business. It asks for adequate, predictable and long-term funding in the next multiannual financial framework, with measurable benchmarks, monitoring and a dedicated Technical Facility for local-level implementation. It sets out priorities on education and mobility, trade and investment, energy and climate, the blue economy, security and preparedness, and migration management. It calls for stronger parliamentary oversight of the Pact, regular Commission progress reports, structured dialogues before Action Plan updates, and an enhanced role for the Union for the Mediterranean and its Parliamentary Assembly.

Committee position. The Committee on Foreign Affairs proposes that Parliament welcome the Pact for the Mediterranean as an opportunity to renew Euro-Mediterranean relations on the basis of co-ownership, people-centred cooperation, respect for international law and human rights, adequate funding, and stronger parliamentary oversight.

Key points

  1. Supports the Pact's three pillars: people, stronger and more sustainable integrated economies, and security, preparedness and migration management.
  2. Calls for a renewed partnership based on co-ownership, co-creation and shared responsibility, with people, civil society, trade unions, businesses and local administrators involved in designing, implementing and evaluating programmes.
  3. Asks the Commission to implement all pillars in line with international human rights law and Article 21 TEU, and to consider human rights and environmental impact assessments for funded projects.
  4. Calls for structured multilevel governance, a dedicated Technical Facility for local and regional authorities, and exploration of a Mediterranean macro-regional approach.
  5. Wants Parliament to oversee implementation, the Commission to report regularly on progress, and structured dialogues with partner countries, member states and stakeholders before Action Plan updates.
  6. Supports a strengthened Union for the Mediterranean with adequate resources and an enhanced role for its Parliamentary Assembly, and welcomes a proposed Youth Parliamentary Assembly for the Mediterranean.
  7. Insists on adequate, predictable and long-term funding in the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, with clear objectives, measurable benchmarks and monitoring, and a Team Europe approach.
  8. Welcomes the Mediterranean University initiative and calls for twinning, joint and double-degree programmes, research cooperation, student mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications and support for scholars at risk.
  9. Calls for modernised trade relations, reduced non-tariff barriers, regulatory convergence, support for SMEs and start-ups, and joint ventures in sectors such as energy, technology and health.
  10. Calls for renewable energy development, electricity interconnections, energy efficiency and regional power market integration, while warning against new asymmetrical dependencies.
  11. Calls for a stronger security dimension covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, cyber and hybrid threats, and for a regional forum on peace and security.
  12. Calls for a rights-based migration approach with legal pathways, border management, action against smuggling and trafficking networks, and search and rescue missions.

Who is affected

  • Southern Mediterranean partner countries, as the Pact's counterparts for cooperation on economy, energy, security and migration.
  • Civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, women's and youth organisations, who should take part in Pact governance and receive support.
  • Local and regional authorities and Mediterranean cities, which should get a formal role and a dedicated Technical Facility.
  • Trade unions, social partners, businesses, SMEs and chambers of commerce, to be involved in Pact governance and economic cooperation.
  • Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, whom the text says face violations by coast guards and for whom legal pathways and search and rescue are sought.

Figures and deadlines

  • The Mediterranean warms 20 % faster than the global average, according to the UN Environment Programme.
  • The Mediterranean Sea hosts 7.5 % of the world's marine fauna species and 18 % of its marine flora species.
  • People at risk of acute hunger rose from 135 million in 2019 to more than 345 million in 2025.
  • The Mediterranean Sea handles 25 % of global maritime trade and 30 % of global oil traffic.
  • The Mediterranean region is home to 550 million people, with the UN estimating 635 million by 2050.
  • In 2025 the EU accounted for 42 % of the southern Mediterranean's total trade, while the region was 4.8 % of EU trade.
  • The EU's blue economy generated around EUR 263 billion in gross value added and about 4.9 million jobs in 2023.
  • North Africa's renewable capacity potential is 2 300 gigawatts, with less than 1 % used for power generation, and electricity generation costs up to 40 % lower.

Legal basis: The Treaty on European Union (TEU).