Dear Minister for Foreign and European Affairs,

Dear Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean,

Dear Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council,

Dear Nadim Houry,

Honourable guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank our hosts for organizing the Dubrovnik Forum, a key platform for international dialogue and debate.

It is a privilege to speak in my hometown, Dubrovnik, a diplomatic center since the 16th century.

Dubrovnik has always bridged cultures and peoples, drawing on its rich trading history.

It is fitting that we discuss the New Pact for the Mediterranean here, a new bridge between the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

The theme of this panel, “Connecting economies and empowering people,” should guide our strategic vision.

The Mediterranean can become a hub of innovation and inclusive growth, fostering cooperation for prosperity across communities.

This year’s conference title, “Channelling the Change,” acknowledges ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, compounded by conflicts in our region.

Yet uncertainties also bring opportunities.

In a changing world with:

• security threats,
• erosion of multilateralism,
• and fading old alliances,

we can enhance our resilience by strengthening ties with our neighbors.

This is the European Unions strategic approach.

In this Commission, we view our work through the lens of competitiveness and security, aiming to be players, not just payers.

To give context, the EU represents 16% of global GDP while contributing over 42% of the global aid budget, even before the US withdrew from many aid programs.

To enhance our role, we are emphasizing cooperation with the southern Mediterranean, recognizing the benefits of stronger ties with North Africa, the Middle East, and Gulf countries.

As we shape the New Pact, we look forward to contributions from our Gulf neighbors.

I am pleased to have with us the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Muhamed Al Budaiwi.

My mission is to deepen cooperation with our southern partners, focusing on people and economies.

This panel will feature esteemed speakers sharing insights on the New Pact for the Mediterranean and their nations contributions.

Since my mandate began in December, I have actively engaged in developing the Pact:

• We are consulting all stakeholders from the EU and partner countries.

This panel is an excellent opportunity for your ideas, which I will bring to Brussels.

• The next step is launching the New Pact in October.

Joint ownership is crucial as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean Process.

• We will swiftly move to implement the Pact together.

Our approach is pragmatic and results-oriented.

The Pact will focus on visible initiatives and tangible outcomes in trade, renewable energy, water resilience, digital connectivity, skills, mobility, and legal migration.

Actions will focus on three key areas:

• First, we prioritize people.

We aim to invest in education, training, and job creation, fostering cultural exchange, sports, and tourism.

A Mediterranean University Network is envisioned, leading to a joint Mediterranean University.

This will lay the groundwork for skills development across the region, with Croatia poised to play a key role.

• Secondly, we will unlock our economies full potential.

Clean-tech projects, like the Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative, will drive investments and create quality jobs for sustainable growth.

North Africas renewable energy potential is vast, with some of the lowest costs for solar and wind power globally.

The New Pact offers numerous opportunities for energy companies on both shores.

We must overcome regulatory, financial, and infrastructural barriers to enhance energy security and competitiveness for the EU and partner countries.

We are also improving connectivity with flagship projects like:

• the ELMED electricity link between Italy and Tunisia,
• the MEDUSA digital submarine fibre cable.

Additionally, we support:

• the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece,
• the Greece-Egypt Interconnector (Gregy) for transporting clean energy,
• the H2MED project, a green hydrogen corridor linking Portugal, Spain, France, and potentially North Africa.

I am glad to reaffirm our support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), involving investments in ports and energy transmission from India to Europe.

• Finally, we aim to strengthen cooperation on migration management and security, addressing disaster preparedness, migrant smuggling, and maritime security. I welcome the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and its Director, Maja Markovčić Kostelac, to todays discussion.

We seek to combat terrorism and organized crime while creating legal pathways for labor migration and Talent Partnerships without causing brain drain.

We aim to address labor shortages, a significant challenge across the EU.

Demography is vital for enhancing competitiveness.

North Africa has a youthful population, with over half under 24 and 63% under 35.

We must increase domestic participation in the labor market for women and all age groups.

In our efforts to strengthen cooperation around the Mare Nostrum, we rely on established regional actors.

Notably, the Union for the Mediterranean, led by Secretary General Kamel Nasser, is the sole organization that unites all Mediterranean nations, including Turkey and Western Balkan partners.

I am committed to enhancing the Union for the Mediterraneans impact for all.

Med9, representing Southern EU members, offers a strong Mediterranean voice, incorporating the Adriatic dimension.

Through MED9, we can leverage Member States expertise on Mediterranean Affairs and strategic priorities.

We anticipate Croatias leadership in the Med9 Presidency next year, succeeding Slovenia.

We also recognize the Three Seas Initiative, linking the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic regions, with Croatia currently holding the Presidency.

The Three Seas Initiative is vital for regional cohesion and connectivity, bridging gaps and enhancing resilience among its Members.

Strengthening Mediterranean cooperation requires dialogue and exchange among all actors.

I am grateful for the chance to be here today and hear your insights.

Thank you.