Latest news with #NewPactfortheMediterranean
Maroc
16-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
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
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
EU Official Hold Talks in Algeria on ‘New Pact for Mediterranean'
The European Commission's Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, Stefano Sannino, made an official visit to Algiers on Tuesday to discuss with senior Algerian officials the reviving of their 'Partnership Agreement' and a plan to engage the partner countries of the Southern Neighborhood in the New Pact for the Mediterranean. In a statement, the European Commission said Sannino will stay in Algeria until April 24. 'This mission is firmly in line with the consultations conducted on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which the European Commission will adopt in the coming months, with a view to promoting a more integrated and supportive approach to regional cooperation,' the statement said. During this visit, Sannino will hold talks with representatives of several Algerian ministerial departments, including Foreign Affairs, Energy, Finance, and Culture. He will also take part, on Wednesday, in the opening of a conference on 'New Investment Dynamics and Prospects for Cooperation' between the European Union in Algeria, jointly organized by the Delegation of the European Union in Algeria and the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), in the presence of representatives of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) and the business community in Algeria. The visit will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the EU's commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation with Algeria, within the broader and strategically articulated framework of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, the Commission said. It added that the EU 'aspires to a partnership that goes beyond the very strong existing relations, particularly in the energy sector, to build other strategic complementarities for sustainable and inclusive growth, in a changing geopolitical context and facing shared challenges such as reindustrialization, economic competitiveness, and the green transition.' The visit comes as Algeria's Foreign and Commerce ministries hold talks with the North Africa Unit at the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, aimed at reviving their 'Partnership Agreement' signed in 2002. The new Agenda for the Mediterranean was launched by the European Union in 2021 to strengthen the strategic partnership with its Southern Neighborhood partners in trade and renewable energies, upgrading facilities and infrastructure, and managing migration and counter-terrorism issues.
Egypt Today
03-03-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt to Receive €90 Million EU Loan to Strengthen Food Security
CAIRO – 3 March 2025: Egypt is set to receive a €90 million loan from the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank as part of the Egypt Food Resilience Project, according to an official statement from the European External Action Service (EEAS). The funding aims to enhance Egypt's food security through wheat purchases, reinforcing the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the EU in addressing economic and social challenges. The announcement was made during the visit of Dubravka Šuica, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, who met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and other senior Egyptian officials. It remains unclear whether this loan is part of the broader €7.4 billion financial package that the EU has pledged to Egypt through 2027. This larger package includes macro-financial assistance loans and €1.8 billion in additional investments under the Southern Neighborhood Economic and Investment Plan. The EU has emphasized that continued economic reforms in Egypt will be crucial for unlocking these investments, particularly in clean technology and renewable energy. Egypt previously secured €1 billion of a €5 billion macro-financial assistance package in December, with negotiations still ongoing for the remaining €4 billion, expected to be finalized by June. Šuica's visit reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Egypt at this critical juncture and presented her vision for the New Pact for the Mediterranean. During her meeting with President El Sisi, discussions focused on strengthening EU-Egypt relations, expanding trade and investment, and addressing illegal immigration. They also covered regional crises, including developments in Gaza, Libya, Syria, and Sudan. In a separate meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty pushed for the approval of the second €4 billion assistance package and highlighted the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a key investment destination. He also emphasized Egypt's role in ensuring European energy security and its readiness to attract more European investments. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly urged the EU to increase its financial and investment commitments, particularly in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and technology. Šuica, in response, reaffirmed the EU's dedication to deepening its strategic partnership with Egypt and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance economic cooperation. With Egypt and the EU strengthening their collaboration, these discussions and financial agreements signal a growing economic partnership focused on food security, energy cooperation, and foreign investment. As negotiations continue, Egypt remains a key strategic partner for the EU, playing a critical role in addressing regional challenges and ensuring economic stability.
See - Sada Elbalad
02-03-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
EU Commissioner Visits Egypt to Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Economic Ties
H-Tayea European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, visited Egypt today to reaffirm the European Union's commitment to deepening its partnership with the country at a crucial time. Egypt is not just a key EU partner—it is a pillar of regional stability, economic cooperation, and security in the Mediterranean. This visit also served as an opportunity to advance discussions on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, a framework aimed at fostering stronger economic, political, and security ties between Mediterranean nations. During her visit, Commissioner Šuica met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat. A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a €90 million loan agreement between the EU, the European Investment Bank, and the Egyptian government to support the Egypt Food Resilience project, a major initiative to enhance food security by securing wheat supplies. Šuica reaffirmed the depth of the EU-Egypt relationship, emphasizing the strong economic and strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, energy transition, climate adaptation, security, and migration management. Egypt remains an indispensable regional player, contributing to stability not only in North Africa but also in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria. As part of its broader commitment to Egypt's economic progress, the EU is actively supporting the country's political and economic reforms through its Macro-Financial Assistance package and the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership framework. The EU aims to mobilize up to €1.8 billion in investments under the European Fund for Sustainable Development+ by 2027, with a focus on renewable energy, clean technology, and infrastructure. The Commissioner stressed that continued economic reforms will help unlock further public and private investment, strengthening Egypt's role as a regional economic hub. Egypt's growing importance in regional diplomacy was also a focal point of the discussions. The EU recognizes Egypt's leadership in conflict mediation and crisis response, particularly its efforts in Gaza, Syria, and broader Middle Eastern affairs. Šuica acknowledged Egypt's proactive role in humanitarian assistance, peace negotiations, and fostering long-term regional stability. A significant portion of the Commissioner's visit was dedicated to engaging with Egyptian leaders on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, a policy initiative designed to enhance people-to-people connections, economic cooperation, and security across the region. Šuica underscored the importance of Egypt's perspectives in shaping this new framework, ensuring that it delivers tangible benefits for both Egypt and its Mediterranean partners. In her remarks, Šuica highlighted Egypt's crucial position at the heart of the Mediterranean, calling it a bridge between three continents. She reiterated the EU's unwavering commitment to supporting Egypt's ambitious economic reforms, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and security. The visit marks a pivotal moment in EU-Egypt relations, reinforcing the shared vision of economic prosperity, political stability, and regional cooperation. As the EU and Egypt continue to build on their strategic partnership, the New Pact for the Mediterranean promises to bring deeper collaboration, increased investment, and a stronger foundation for long-term regional security and development.
Egypt Today
01-03-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt's FM to meet with EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean in Cairo
CAIRO – 1 March 2025: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will meet with Ms. Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, in Cairo on Sunday, March 2. Abdelatty Šuica will hold extensive discussions and then a press conference, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Saturday. Šuica's visit is part of a series of high-level consultations led by Commissioner Šuica to shape the New Pact for the Mediterranean, according to a statement from the EU diplomatic delegation to Egypt. The Pact, which is currently being developed in close collaboration with Mediterranean partners and EU Member States, aims to address shared challenges by promoting people-to-people relations, fostering economic growth, and strengthening regional security and stability. Šuica will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi; Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat. She will sign together with the Egyptian Government the project 'Egypt Food Resilience', worth €90 million and co-funded by the EU and the European Investment Bank. During the visit, Commissioner Šuica will also address Egypt's efforts to advance on its political and economic reforms, in line with the EU's Macrofinancial Assistance package and the priorities of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. In this context, the EU will continue to work with its our partners to attract EU's investments in Egypt, especially in clean technology and renewable energy, according to the statement.
