Brief description and main aims:
FIEC informs Member Federations about key aspects of the EU institutions’ activity with regard to Southern Mediterranean partner countries, in particular in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).
Why FIEC is dealing with this topic:
The policy of the European Union towards the Southern Mediterranean countries aims at encouraging political and economic reforms in each individual country and at enhancing cooperation among the countries of the region and with the European Union. Relations with Southern Mediterranean countries are crucially important, considering the key challenges related to migration and security.
The Political Guidelines presented by Ursula von der Leyen for the mandate of the European Commission 2024-2029, include a more strategic approach to the Mediterranean area. For the first time, a EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean has been appointed, Ms. Dubravka Šuica, and also a specific Directore-General for Mediterranean Affairs, DG MENA, has been created.
On the 16th October 2025, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented a Pact for the Mediterranean in order to update the EU- Southern Mediterranean relationship, based on three pillars: I. People, as driving force for change, connections and innovations; II. Stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies; III. Security, preparedness and migration management. An Action Plan is expected for the first quarter of 2026.
Another field of attention for the MEDA Vice-Presidency is the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), an intergovernmental organisation bringing together the EU Member States and 15 countries from the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. It is a permanent structure, with its headquarters located in Barcelona, and it is dedicated to strengthening dialogue, cooperation and exchange of projects ideas. 6 strategic priority areas have been identified: business development and employment, social and civil affairs, higher education and research, transport and urban development, water and environment, and energy and climate action.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) activity, as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Depelopment (EBRD) activity in the third Mediterranean countries, are also aspects of attention.
Actions:
FIEC will pay attention to next steps by the EU institutions in relation to issues of sectoral interest withing the Pact for the Mediterranean and its coming Action Plan.
Relevant MEDA news are placed on the FIEC intranet for the Member Federations or disseminated among them, containing relevant and updated information mainly from the EU Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).