Brussels, 19 February 2025
Edited by Insight EU – “Check against delivery”
Dear Chairman,
Dear Vice-Chairs,
Honourable Members,
It is a pleasure to be here again, following my hearing in November. I want to begin by thanking you for the trust you have placed in me. Today, I am pleased to open our regular dialogue on the activities within my portfolio.
As a former member of this Committee, I understand how essential it is to maintain strong ties and open communication.
Current Developments in the Mediterranean Region
Over the past two and a half months since the start of my mandate, we have witnessed significant shifts in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Middle East. This is a crucial moment for the European Union to demonstrate leadership and respond proactively to the evolving dynamics.
We are strengthening our cooperation and building deeper partnerships across the region. I have already engaged with many Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers, including from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. In parallel, I am in constant dialogue with Member States that play pivotal roles in the Mediterranean, such as Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, and Cyprus.
Beyond governmental actors, I have met with leaders of key international financial institutions and humanitarian organizations, including UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, UNWRA, UNDP, the World Bank, IRC, WFP, EBRD, IMF, and the EIB. These discussions aim to project a strong European perspective, especially in the current geopolitical climate, where the US has introduced new and, in some cases, unacceptable scenarios.
Yet, amid the challenges, there are positive developments. We see progress with ceasefires holding between Israel and Hamas, and between Israel and Hezbollah. There has been a significant change in leadership in Syria, and Lebanon now has a new government, opening doors for renewed dialogue.
Opportunities and Challenges in the Southern Neighbourhood
Our southern neighbours continue to seek economic opportunities, access to clean technologies, and the investments necessary to foster growth. This presents a valuable opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation.
As I highlighted during my hearing, these countries, much like us, have a vested interest in sustainable growth and job creation, particularly for their youth. It is crucial to remember that in the Southern Neighbourhood, half of the population is under 24, with many young people not in employment, education, or training—the so-called NEETs. This demographic reality demands our attention and action.
The New Pact for the Mediterranean
I would like to share some of our ideas for the New Pact for the Mediterranean. My vision is to design this pact collaboratively with our regional partners, ensuring it reflects their needs and aspirations. I am here today to listen to your thoughts before I embark on a regional tour to engage directly with stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society.
My first visits will take me to Lebanon this Friday, where I intend to kickstart our political dialogue after years of impasse. The recent election of President Aoun and the appointment of Prime Minister Salam’s new government offer a fresh opportunity for Lebanon. I look forward to discussing reforms in key areas such as the economy, security, migration, and justice.
Early next month, I will visit Egypt to meet with the President and other key stakeholders. This will further strengthen our cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership.
In broad terms, the New Pact will focus on two main pillars. First, comprehensive partnerships in key areas of mutual interest, tailored to the specific needs of each partner country. Second, concrete regional investment initiatives that will bring these partnerships to life and create tangible benefits across the Mediterranean.
We will also integrate a strong cultural dimension into the pact. This includes protecting cultural heritage, promoting tourism, fostering cooperation between museums, encouraging university exchanges, and establishing a Mediterranean University Network. Our goal is to present the Pact in the autumn of this year, incorporating the valuable input from our consultations.
Building Stronger Bilateral Partnerships
We are not starting from scratch. Our existing partnerships with Tunisia and Egypt provide a solid foundation. The upcoming Macro-Financial Assistance package for Egypt—currently under discussion—reflects our commitment to supporting the country’s political and economic reforms. This package also emphasizes the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, areas where Egypt has committed to making concrete progress.
Egypt remains a strategic partner and a key pillar of regional stability, which is why advancing these reforms is so crucial.
In Jordan, we recently signed a new Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership on 29 January, in the presence of King Abdullah. This marks the first such partnership under the new Commission. The package includes €640 million in grants, with €110 million earmarked to leverage up to €1.4 billion in investments, and €1 billion allocated for Macro-Financial Assistance.
This strengthened partnership is especially timely, given that the United States has paused its support for Jordan. Jordan remains a stable and reliable partner in a region marked by geopolitical uncertainty, and our renewed cooperation reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment.
A Vision for Regional Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation
As part of the New Pact, we will launch a Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative. This initiative aims to boost renewable energy trading and expand clean tech manufacturing throughout the region.
The benefits of this cooperation are manifold: it will accelerate economic development, create quality jobs, enhance the competitiveness of industries on both sides of the Mediterranean, support faster decarbonisation, and strengthen energy security for all partners involved.
Addressing Migration, Security, and Human Rights
Migration remains a central issue in our regional agenda. We are committed to tackling migrant smuggling, strengthening legal pathways for skilled migration, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
Security is another key priority. We are stepping up efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism while ensuring that all actions respect human rights, especially for the most vulnerable populations. I am personally committed to upholding the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees, both within the EU and in our partner countries.
Deepening Country-Specific Engagements
With Morocco, we aim to deepen people-to-people relations and expand cooperation on digital and green transition investments, while continuing to support effective migration management.
In Algeria, there is great potential to strengthen collaboration in energy, economic development, and migration management.
As for Libya, we are closely monitoring political developments and engaging with all stakeholders to promote economic and institutional reforms. Our efforts focus on migration management, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the long-term goal of achieving stability and respect for the rule of law.
Engagement with the Gulf Region
The Gulf countries play a crucial role in the region’s stability and prosperity, especially in mediating conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine situation. Their involvement has been instrumental in securing the current ceasefire in Gaza, and they continue to support efforts toward a two-state solution.
I intend to strengthen our ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through bilateral meetings with each of the six member countries. These discussions will lay the groundwork for new partnership agreements ahead of the next EU-GCC Summit in October.
Syria and Gaza: A Path Forward
Turning to Syria, I recently participated in the Third Conference in the Aqaba Format and met with Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani. While cautious optimism is warranted, there are signs of progress toward an inclusive and peaceful transition. The question of sanctions relief remains complex, but the EU’s position is clear: any relief will be gradual, conditional, and reversible.
The EU has provided over €35 billion in assistance to Syria since 2011, and we remain committed to supporting the Syrian people. I am pleased to announce that the next Brussels Conference on Syria will take place in mid-March, aiming to secure additional financial support and create conditions for the safe, voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
In Gaza, the priority remains making the ceasefire permanent. We have redeployed our EU Border Assistance Mission in Rafah to facilitate humanitarian aid and the evacuation of individuals needing medical attention.
The EU is ready to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and will introduce a multi-year Support Programme for the Palestinian Authority, tied to critical reforms. A two-state solution remains the only sustainable path to lasting peace.
Institutional Cooperation and Parliamentary Diplomacy
I am working closely with High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas and applying a whole-of-College approach to ensure that all Commission policies—whether on energy, climate change, digitalization, or the blue economy—align with our Mediterranean agenda.
Inter-institutional cooperation through Team Europe remains essential. No single EU institution can manage foreign policy alone, and our collective approach ensures consistency and coherence in our external actions.
Parliamentary diplomacy is also vital. Your engagement through parliamentary delegations carries significant diplomatic weight and enhances our collective impact. I deeply value our regular exchanges, as they bring essential expertise and insight into our shared efforts.
Dear colleagues,
I look forward to our discussion today and welcome your views as we continue to shape a strong and united European approach to the Mediterranean region.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission