EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on New Pact for the Mediterranean Kick Off in Salé
The EuroMeSCo Consultation Circles on the New Pact for the Mediterranean kicked off Tuesday in Salé, with the aim of fostering Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and addressing the region's shared challenges.
Organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the event is part of the IEMed-led project "Support to the reflection and consultation on the Pact for the Mediterranean."
The pact is poised to become the European Union's (EU) main political framework for strengthening cooperation with its Southern neighbors.
Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President of the PCNS, called for an in-depth reflection on the Euro-Mediterranean future relations. "The timing is spot-on to rethink these ties so that countries further reassess their foreign policies."
" Partners are potentially willing to engage on various issues within the framework of renewed cooperation." In this regard, El Aynaoui welcomed the EU's initiative to reconsider its approach through the new Pact for the Mediterranean.
Seven Florins, IEMed Executive President, highlighted the central role played by EuroMeSCO along with IEMed in promoting dialogue and research as well as in strengthening ties between Europe and its southern neighborhood.
He stressed the importance of independent expertise and multilateral cooperation to address the common challenges, especially in a geopolitical context characterized by conflicts and climate emergency and economic disparities.
For his part, Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the new framework established by the Commission, which for the first time dedicates a portfolio exclusively to the Mediterranean region.
He highlighted that this reflects the particular interest the President of the European Commission has in this strategic area, marking an unprecedented evolution in the structuring of Euro-Mediterranean relations.
Running until May 14, the event is bringing together policymakers, experts, researchers, civil society representatives and private sector actors from both shores of the Mediterranean.
Conclusions of the consultations will be taken into account while drafting the New Pact for the Mediterranean, ahead of its expected adoption during the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, with the aim of contributing to the security and well-being of both shores of the Mediterranean.
MAP:13 mai 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and EU strengthen strategic partnership for Sahel peace and security
On Friday in Rabat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, met with João Cravinho, the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Sahel region. Following the meeting, Cravinho told the press that the EU enjoys a «fruitful and very strong relationship» with Morocco, describing it as highly versatile and covering multiple areas. He emphasized that cooperation and dialogue with the Kingdom are a «top priority». «The close ties Morocco maintains with the Sahel countries provide us with valuable insights, a deeper understanding, and opportunities to identify joint initiatives that benefit the people of the Sahel», Cravinho said. He highlighted that the Sahel region is «fragile both in terms of security and socio-economic conditions — two closely linked challenges that require urgent attention». He added that both the EU and Morocco have a critical role to play in addressing these issues. Cravinho also explained that his visit aims to explore ways to strengthen the EU-Morocco partnership regarding the Sahel, with the goal of advancing peace and security for the region's populations.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
EU Looks to Morocco to Rebuild Ties with Sahel States
Doha – The European Union is seeking to harness Morocco's established regional influence to restore its deteriorating relationships with Sahel countries, as evidenced by EU Special Representative João Cravinho's diplomatic visit to Rabat on Friday. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Cravinho in high-level talks that underscored the strategic potential for coordinated initiatives between the EU and Morocco in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the Sahel region. 'The EU maintains a fruitful, very strong relationship with Morocco, with multiple dimensions,' Cravinho stated during his press briefing after the meeting. He stressed that partnership with Morocco represents a 'priority of great importance' for the European bloc. Morocco's friendship with AES members solidifies its strategic appeal The diplomat particularly valued Morocco's connections with Sahel countries, describing them as 'a very important source of knowledge, understanding, and identification of joint work paths for the benefit of the Sahel peoples.' Cravinho acknowledged the dual vulnerabilities affecting the Sahel region – both security and socioeconomic instability – characterizing these as substantial hurdles requiring coordinated intervention from both the EU and Morocco. 'The aim of my visit is to explore ways to deepen the relationship between the European Union and Morocco concerning the Sahel region, to achieve common objectives of peace and security for the benefit of the populations in this region,' he elaborated. Since taking office in November 2024, Cravinho has worked to rebuild EU relations with three key Sahel countries – Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – where military juntas have assumed control. He had previously outlined this diplomatic approach during his February consultations in Niamey. The geopolitical landscape of the region has undergone profound transformation since Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29. Following their departure, these countries have intensified the development of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), now structured as a sovereign confederation. This new entity aims to strengthen their political, economic, and security autonomy outside traditional West African frameworks, with the AES having already launched a common biometric passport, abolished telephone roaming charges, and adopted a common official anthem in May. Morocco's cordial relations with these Sahel states position it as an instrumental facilitator in Cravinho's diplomatic mission. Morocco's diplomatic weight was evident in December 2024 when King Mohammed VI's mediation led to the release of four French intelligence agents held in Burkina Faso. Following this diplomatic success, French President Emmanuel Macron personally contacted the monarch to express his gratitude for the North African country's crucial role in securing their freedom. Morocco as both an aspirational economic hub and the guardian of regional integration Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad have all endorsed the royal initiative aiming to provide Sahel states with Atlantic Ocean access. In a noteworthy diplomatic development, King Mohammed VI received the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso on April 28. This high-level meeting occurred amid escalating regional tensions, particularly between these Sahel countries and Algeria. In early April, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso recalled their ambassadors from Algiers, accusing Algeria of downing a Malian drone near the Algerian border in late March. The economic aspects of Morocco's Sahel engagement are equally compelling. Currently, Moroccan exports to the four AES countries total approximately $300 million, while the overall trade potential reaches an estimated $2.23 billion – indicating a realization rate of merely 11.44%. For the EU, collaboration with Morocco offers a pragmatic avenue to re-engagement with a region where its influence has declined. Observers note that Morocco has emerged as a trusted intermediary in regional diplomacy, maintaining productive relations with both European powers and the new leadership in Sahel countries. The Dakhla-N'Djamena corridor initiative represents a key pillar in Morocco's strategy to promote economic integration and regional cohesion. Designed to go beyond a simple transport route, the project aims to establish a full-fledged economic development corridor that boosts trade and unlocks opportunities for landlocked Sahelian countries. Central to this vision is the Atlantic Port of Dakhla, expected to be operational by 2029. The megaport is projected to handle up to 35 million tons of cargo annually and offer secure Atlantic access to Sahel-Saharan countries. Amid ongoing geopolitical recalibrations across the Sahel, Morocco's measured diplomacy and growing strategic capital have made it an indispensable interlocutor – uniquely positioned to bridge European interests with Sahelian imperatives in a region fraught with volatility and competing influence. Read also: British Think Tank: Morocco Steps Up as Sahel Security Anchor Tags: Morocco and EuropeMorocco and SahelSahel countries
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco's El Jadida to Host First International Port Ecosystem Salon in 2026
Doha – The first edition of the International Salon for Ports and their Ecosystem (SIPORTS) will take place from February 5-7, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Complex in El Jadida. Organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Equipment and Water by LINECO Events, this pioneering event aims to position Morocco as a strategic hub in global maritime trade. The salon will bring together more than 300 exhibitors from four continents and expects to welcome around 6,000 professional visitors. SIPORTS will be structured around five thematic pavilions: institutional, port industry, operations, scientific and academic, along with a museum dedicated to ports. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, views the event as perfectly aligned with Morocco's maritime strategy. 'This initiative is perfectly aligned with the great momentum the port and maritime sector is experiencing, driven by the orientations of King Mohammed VI, aimed at strengthening Morocco's position as an essential maritime hub on both Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts,' said Baraka. Read also: Dakhla Atlantic Port and N'Djamena Corridor: Pivotal Game Changers in Africa's Economic Landscape He added that creating an exchange platform that brings together all stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities, accompanied by spaces dedicated to innovation and new technologies, 'perfectly addresses the challenges of modernization and sustainable development of our port infrastructure.' Mohcine Berrada, president of LINECO Events and organizer of this first edition, described SIPORTS as 'an international crossroads of expertise and solutions for the future.' 'Our ambition is to respond to the crucial challenges of performance, connectivity, innovation, and sustainability that are reshaping the map of global maritime trade today,' said Berrada. The event will feature an ambitious program of conferences, expert panels, international keynotes, and technical workshops. These sessions will create a space for strategic reflection and concrete exchanges to address the profound changes in the sector. Topics will include structuring new maritime routes, smart ports, eco-responsible infrastructure, and strengthened regional cooperation. Consolidating Morocco's global maritime leadership By promoting B2C and B2B meetings and showcasing innovative solutions, SIPORTS seeks to consolidate Morocco's position as an essential maritime hub in Africa and beyond. The event shows Morocco's growing stature as a pivotal force in global maritime commerce. Tanger Med port, the country's flagship maritime infrastructure, recently secured 17th place worldwide in the latest Alphaliner report of top global container ports. In 2024, Tanger Med handled 10.24 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a significant increase from 8.61 million TEUs the year before. This growth has propelled the Moroccan port ahead of established global players like Hamburg (24th with 7.82 million TEUs) and Jakarta (27th with 6.75 million TEUs). Tanger Med is now the only port in the Mediterranean and Africa to rank among the top 30 ports worldwide. The port finished the 2024 fiscal year with a revenue of $1.212 billion, a marked increase of 12.3% compared to 2023. Santiago J. Castella Surribas, president of the Port of Tarragona in Spain, recently noted that Morocco has made remarkable developments in its port infrastructure over the past 25 years, modernizing to secure a key position in international trade. Spanish media have also expressed concerns that Morocco's port performance has been outpacing major Spanish hubs such as Algeciras, Valencia, and Barcelona since King Mohammed VI inaugurated Tanger Med in 2007. The North African country is also counting on the Atlantic Port of Dakhla to provide Sahel-Saharan countries secure access to the Atlantic Ocean. The project, expected to be operational by 2029, will process up to 35 million tons of cargo annually and serve as a key gateway connecting Africa to European and American markets.
