The Mediterranean is a partner and the EU must be present “not just with soft power, but with action” the Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica said on Thursday, as the Pact for the Mediterranean was unveiled by the European Commission. In an interview with CNA and other media outlets from Mediterranean EU member states, Šuica described the Pact as more than just a policy document, saying it is a ‘living pact,’ designed to adapt to the rapidly shifting political, economic, and social landscapes of the Southern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The Pact is proposed for political endorsement by the EU and southern Mediterranean partners, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia, in November 2025 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona process. However, the Commissioner sets the work in progress of DG MENA at a wider prospect. ‘When we speak about the region, it’s not just the Southern Neighborhood countries. It’s Iraq, Iran, the Gulf countries, Libya, Egypt, and even beyond-Mauritania, Senegal. We can’t talk about migration without looking at Sub-Saharan Africa. This is an umbrella portfolio, interconnected with trade, migration, the blue economy, the environment, and education,’ explained the Commissioner.
According to Šuica, ‘the ambition is clear: to create a framework that is both comprehensive and flexible, capable of responding to crises and opportunities as they arise. The pact is not static; it evolves with the region.’
Commissioner Šuica outlined the three pillars of the pact: people, economy, and security. ‘We have to understand that the pact is not only about migration; we want to create a genuine impact for the people of the Southern Mediterranean.’ Regarding the first pillar, ‘People: Investing in Youth and Education’, the Commissioner highlighted the stark demographic divide between a shrinking Europe and a booming Africa and Middle East. The pact prioritizes youth, skills, and education, aiming to create opportunities that encourage young people to stay and thrive in their home countries.
‘My final goal, as a legacy, is to create a Mediterranean University, not new buildings, but a network, adding Mediterranean history, culture, and curriculum to existing universities in Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Fes, Barcelona, and Marseille. We’re expanding Erasmus+ and Horizon programs, aligning diplomas, and creating a Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly for young elected officials to exchange ideas,’ added the Commissioner.
For the second pillar, ‘Economy: Sustainable Investment and Energy Transition’, the Commissioner explained that economic cooperation focuses on attracting European investment to the region. ‘The goal is to align standards, ensure capital safety, and foster public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy,’ she added. ‘We’re not imposing European values. We’re working towards common standards. The Mediterranean is rich in sun, wind, and hydrogen. This energy needs to reach Europe, replacing Russian fossil fuels and decarbonizing the region. It’s a win-win: they get investment and jobs; we get clean energy and stability.”
The third pillar addresses security, resilience, and migration. The Commissioner clarified that the EU is committed to legal migration pathways and talent partnerships, as well as tackling illegal migration and human trafficking. ‘We’re creating talent partnerships with Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. We need human capital, but we can’t strip these countries of their doctors and engineers. It’s about balance.” Regarding the role of the third pillar in investments by European companies in the region, as well as from the Gulf countries, the commissioner stressed that “security and migration are now linked, as without stability there is no investment.”
As for Cyprus’ relation with the Pact and the neighbourhood the Commissioner stressed that ‘Part of the Pact is also the new European Firefighting Hub based in Cyprus will also support regional neighbours, building on the established cooperation in the domain of firefighting between Cyprus, Jordan and Egypt.”
As regards governance and funding, Šuica explained that the pact is backed by a doubling of the budget for the region, from pound 21 billion in the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to pound 42 billion for the next seven years. ‘But the real impact will come from blending public and private funds, leveraging loans, and involving financial institutions like the EBRD and EIB,’ she added. ‘This isn’t just about grants. We invested pound 7 billion, and it became pound 28 billion with private capital. We’re shifting from a donor-to-recipient mindset to an investor spirit. And yes, the Gulf countries have a role-they have the money and the interest.’
As for Turkey, since it is considered an enlargement country, it is out of the pact’s scope. Šuica noted that during bilateral talks ahead of the pact’s preparation, Turkey showed interest only in funding for migration, but was ‘not willing to contribute’ to the rest of the pact.
On the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East, Šuica acknowledged that ‘this is a test for the pact,’ adding that such initiatives could bring Israel and Palestine together at the table within the Union for the Mediterranean. ‘This is what we want to achieve with this pact-to make them sit together. We will also organize a southern ministerial meeting on the eve of the Barcelona anniversary and invite all ministers from the southern neighborhood. Let’s see whether they will come.’
Regarding Libya and the complex situation in the area, the Commissioner stressed that ‘there are many open issues. But I will say: if not us, who will be in the area? Russia is already there. This is why we want to be players, not just payers, using our soft European power.’ Šuica underlined that the EU is investing heavily in the Libyan coast guard and training forces from both sides to maintain control. On migration, she added, ‘we are not investing in Libya to favor smugglers and human traffickers; it is about the people.’
Currently, the EU is investing pound 1.6 billion over three years to strengthen the Palestinian Authority, but reform and anti-corruption efforts are critical. ‘We need the Palestinian Authority to be empowered. We need our interlocutor at the table-who is going to sit at the table with Israel at some point? But neither was present the day before. The investments aim to strengthen the Palestinian Authority. It’s not easy because they must reform themselves and rid themselves of corruption. They have their problems, but we are trying, and we want to believe they will reach a point where they-not Hamas-are the ones at the table.’
The Commissioner’s message is clear: the Mediterranean is not just a neighbor; it is a partner. The pact is a commitment to shared prosperity, stability, and resilience. ‘We’re not just players; we’re partners. And if not us, who? Russia is there. China is there. America is too far. Europe must be present-not just with soft power, but with action,’ Šuica concluded.