Dear Minister Bourita,
Ambassadors,
Representatives from the government ministries of Morocco, from the EU Member States capitals, and the European Commission,
Representatives from partner countries,
Representatives from international financial institutions and the private sector,
Un grand merci pour linvitation. Je suis heureuse dêtre au Maroc pour la première fois comme Commissaire pour la Méditerranée.
From the beginning of civilisation, the Mediterranean has been more than just a sea between continents — it has been a cradle of culture, trade, and exchange.
The ties we share are centuries old, rooted in history and enriched by the diversity of our peoples.
These bonds remind us that our future is also shared, and that cooperation is part of our DNA.
Today, here in Rabat, we are living one of these cooperation moments.
Dear Minister,
I thank you warmly for your leadership in organising this retreat on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership — an initiative you already raised with me when we met in Brussels in July.
Let me also congratulate you.
This meeting demonstrates Moroccos ambition and prominent role in strengthening Mediterranean cooperation.
Morocco is a key strategic partner for the European Union.
Our partnership is unique and wide-ranging.
Morocco also serves as a vital bridge for cooperation with Africa.
Todays retreat is an excellent opportunity for an open and forward-looking exchange.
In a world of profound geo-strategic and economic uncertainties, closer cooperation amongst partners is not just a choice, it is the way forward.
I am glad that it is in this mindset that we are coming together for this retreat.
The timing could not be better.
In November, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration.
A moment to reflect on our shared achievements.
And an opportunity to set the next milestones in building our Common Mediterranean Space.
I am confident that this retreat will make a substantial contribution to the New Pact for the Mediterranean.
Because we are developing it precisely in this spirit.
A spirit of joint ownership and co-creation.
Our ambition is clear.
We are paving the way towards a shared space of prosperity, peace, and stability.
The New Pact is not just another strategy.
It is a partnership of equals.
And it will be followed up and implemented through a joint Action Plan.
The Pact has been shaped through broad and inclusive consultations in the first place with partners from across the Southern Neighbourhood and the EU.
Many excellent ideas have been put forward, and we will build on them to ensure the New Pact responds to the real needs and interests of all.
The EU–Southern Neighbourhood ministerial meeting on 14 July showed our joint commitment to work closer across the Mediterranean.
Our approach with the New Pact is pragmatic and practical.
It is bottom-up with visible initiatives and tangible results in key areas that have a positive impact for citizens and our societies.
The New Pact for the Mediterranean is an evolving process structured around three pillars.
Firstly, we are putting people at the centre.
It is people who drive change, foster exchange, and spark innovation.
We want to empower the Mediterranean youth by investing in higher education, vocational training, and jobs.
And we seek to promote a common space for cultural exchange and sports.
Secondly, we want to unlock the full potential of our economies.
Changing global trade patterns bring new opportunities for the diversification of supply and production chains.
And we can also boost intra-regional economic integration in the Southern Mediterranean.
Our aim is to ensure that investment opportunities are matched with appropriate financing, also from the private sector.
Let me mention the Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED) as a prominent example.
We can achieve faster decarbonisation, increase our energy production and supply, and ultimately the competitiveness of all our countries.
Apart from strengthening the Blue Economy, we want to improve digital connectivity and decarbonised transport throughout the region.
We want to boost sustainable economic development and create the quality jobs needed for young people.
The third dimension of the New Pact is strengthening our cooperation on security, resilience, and migration management.
We want to reinforce our joint capacity and preparedness to react to natural and human disasters.
And the effective management of migration in a safe and orderly manner is important.
This requires a whole-of-route approach including the prevention of illegal border crossings, the fight against migrants smuggling and the trafficking in human beings, and close collaboration on integrated border management.
I appreciate the efforts of Morocco in preventing illegal migration to the EU.
Fighting organised crime and terrorism are equally important priorities for our security.
Marokko is diep toegewijd aan het Euro-Mediterrane Partnerschap en het Barcelona proces.
Ik ben ook toegewijd aan het revitaliseren van dit partnerschap - met het Nieuwe Pact en zijn regionale track.
Hier zal de hervormde Unie voor de Middellandse Zee een belangrijke partner zijn, met zijn unieke convening power en inclusieve lidmaatschap.
Immers, het is de enige internationale organisatie waar alle EU en Zuidelijke Middellandse Zee partners lid van zijn.
We moeten ook naar buiten kijken, voorbij de Middellandse Zee. Samenwerking met de buren van onze buren is cruciaal.
De Golf landen brengen politieke en financiële invloed, evenals een sterke interesse in stabiliteit, connectiviteit en investeringen.
Hun betrokkenheid kan ons helpen bij het aanpakken van gedeelde uitdagingen – van energietransitie en klimaatbestendigheid tot economische diversificatie en jeugdwerkgelegenheid.
Dames en heren,
Ik wil afsluiten door nogmaals onze gastheren en jullie allemaal te danken voor jullie waardevolle bijdragen in de discussies later vandaag.
De reflecties van vandaag zullen bijdragen aan de Communicatie over het Nieuwe Pact dat de Europese Commissie en de Hoge Vertegenwoordiger van plan zijn aan te nemen volgende maand.
De ministeriële bijeenkomst in november ter gelegenheid van de 30ste verjaardag van het Barcelona proces zal de gelegenheid zijn om het Nieuwe Pact goed te keuren.
Samen kunnen we van dit Nieuwe Pact een krachtig instrument van welvaart, vrede en stabiliteit maken.
In onze Gemeenschappelijke Middellandse Zee Ruimte.
Dank u.