Barcelona, Spain – The 10th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) kicks off tomorrow, Friday, in Barcelona. This coincides with the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Barcelona Process, which laid the foundations for Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and cooperation.
The forum is being held under the theme “Together for a Stronger Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.” This underscores the collective commitment to achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the Mediterranean region.
Forum objectives and new vision
The forum seeks to celebrate three decades of partnership. It also aims to reaffirm the shared vision of a more resilient partnership in the face of current challenges. These challenges include inequality, unemployment, and the rising cost of living, as well as declining opportunities and the increasing impacts of climate change and water stress.
The 10th Regional Forum is expected to adopt a new vision for the Union for the Mediterranean. This vision is based on the principle of interconnectedness among peoples, countries, and economies. It also aims to maintain the core objectives of building more dynamic economies, promoting trade, and addressing the challenges of climate change. Furthermore, it seeks to expand women’s participation to achieve gender equality.
Ministerial meeting and launch of the “Mediterranean Charter”
As part of the forum’s activities, a ministerial segment will be held on November 28, bringing together foreign ministers. The meeting aims to discuss the most pressing challenges in the region, including the worrying situation in the Middle East, and to endorse the new strategic vision for the Union for the Mediterranean.
The ministerial meeting is also expected to witness the launch of the “Mediterranean Charter”.
Leading the ministerial meeting
The meeting is co-chaired by Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. Also participating in the co-chairing are the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
The event was hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Álvarez.
The new vision is based on building a more capable organization that can implement effective programs based on education, exchange, and cooperation among peoples.
It also aims to strengthen economic ties through free trade and investment. Furthermore, it seeks to bring production centers closer to consumption centers. The Union is working to establish a common energy market, leveraging the enormous potential of solar and wind power in the Global South.
