Shaping the New Pact for the Mediterranean
EuroMeSCo, the Euro-Mediterranean network of think tanks coordinated by the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), is at the forefront of shaping the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean through the project Support to Reflection and Consultations on the Pact for the Mediterranean, co-funded by the European Union and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed) as Secretariat of the network.
This initiative supports the EU’s renewed effort to build comprehensive, co-owned partnerships with its Southern Neighbourhood, in line with the priorities outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the newly appointed Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica.
Context and Vision
In a time marked by regional conflicts, geopolitical instability, and increasing disillusionment with EU policies among its Southern partners, the need for an inclusive and integrated approach has become urgent. Findings from the EuroMed Survey 2023 and the EuroMeSCo Policy Study on the future of the Southern Neighbourhood Policy underline key challenges: limited ENP impact, lack of joint ownership, and a need for more strategic and empathetic EU engagement.
The New Pact for the Mediterranean seeks to address these concerns by aligning policies on development, security, humanitarian aid, and peace under a single framework—anchored in mutual understanding and regional dialogue.
A Two-Phase Project
The IEMed-led project unfolds in two interconnected phases over 19 months, corresponding to the preparation and roll-out stages of the new Pact:
• Phase 1 (prequel) focuses on consultations, stakeholder mapping, and building a shared narrative to shape the Pact’s priorities.
• Phase 2 (sequel) will support dialogue and engagement around the implementation of the Pact’s thematic pillars, in cooperation with regional partners and key EU actors.
Mobilising the EuroMeSCo network
With over 120 think tanks and research centres from more than 30 countries, EuroMeSCo provides a trusted platform for regional dialogue and policy-shaping. Under the project “Support to Reflection and Consultations on the Pact for the Mediterranean”, the network is engaging a wide range of stakeholders through a mix of high-level forums, regional consultations, and research activities.
These activities include:
• The 15th EuroMed Survey, which gathered responses from policymakers, experts, and civil society actors across 24 countries.
• A series of Consultation Circles held in Rabat, Cairo and Brussels.
• The publication of strategic policy recommendations based on data and deliberation.
Regional consultations
The process was formally launched on 8 April 2025 in Brussels during a high-level debate chaired by EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. Organised by the IEMed with the support of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), the event convened senior EU officials and researchers from the EuroMeSCo network.
The event marked the beginning of the cycle of regional dialogues in the southern shore.
Rabat – Building the Mediterranean of tomorrow
The first Consultation Circle took place in Rabat, co-organised by the IEMed and the Policy Center for the New South. Gathering over 80 participants from across North Africa, the dialogue opened with strategic remarks by Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European Commission. Through thematic breakout sessions on youth empowerment, sustainable development and investment, participants explored priorities such as skills mobility, climate-resilient policies, and inclusive trade. The event marked the first major step toward embedding regional perspectives into the Pact’s design.
Cairo – Forging shared resilience in the Mediterranean
Co-organised in partnership with the American University in Cairo and the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, the second Consultation Circle convened over 90 regional actors. The dialogue was launched by EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst and centred on six key themes: innovation for sustainability, balancing WEFE priorities, the role of the private sector in the green transition, urban climate adaptation, social justice, and regional value chains. The event deepened the consultation’s thematic reach and reinforced calls for a flexible, co-owned Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
Survey and inclusiveness at the core
The EuroMed Survey 15, launched in March 2025, is a cornerstone of this process. With record participation, this edition of the survey features the highest-ever involvement of young respondents and women, reflecting EuroMeSCo’s commitment to inclusive policy-making. It offers rich insight into regional perceptions of the EU’s role, the impact of past cooperation frameworks, and priorities for the future Pact.
Among the key findings:
• Conflict resolution, climate adaptation, and investment in skills emerged as top priorities.
• Southern respondents view the EU as the most influential actor in the region, while EU-based respondents are more critical with the Union’s engagement, viewing the GCC as the main actor.
• Calls for greater regional coordination and trilateral cooperation (e.g., with Gulf countries) are central to expectations for the new Pact, requiring more synergy in the line of Team Europe Initiatives.
🔎 Key findings: EuroMed Survey
