Nicosia: Cyprus is participating in 11 initiatives under the first Action Plan for the Mediterranean Pact, spanning all three strategic pillars: people, skills and innovation; economy and sustainable development; and security, preparedness, and migration management.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus is involved in the Mediterranean University initiative, which aims to strengthen cooperation among regional universities through joint academic programs, student and researcher mobility, and research network development. "We are creating the Mediterranean University and an alliance of institutions across the region. We have secured pound 11 million to support joint programs and micro-credentials that prepare students for the labor market and boost people-to-people exchanges," the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka … uica, noted during the presentation. She explained that research and innovation would be enhanced both within universities and through a dedicated center. "The ultimate goal is to have a Mediterranean University with campuses on all shores of the Mediterranean," she said.
Additionally, Cyprus will take part in first-pillar actions to strengthen skills, such as the MED Skill Tracker mechanism for recognizing and matching labor market skills, as well as initiatives for youth and culture aimed at fostering cooperation and connectivity among Mediterranean societies.
In the second pillar, Cyprus is engaged in initiatives like T-MED for renewable energy and clean technologies, STARTUP4MED for startup support, and projects to enhance digital connectivity and sustainable blue economy development.
Beyond hosting the European Firefighting Hub, Cyprus will participate in efforts to combat organized crime (MED-OP), strengthen border management, and implement a comprehensive approach to migration management along migratory routes.
Commissioner … uica emphasized that "this plan is a living document that will be updated twice a year," allowing for flexibility and the inclusion of additional Member States if they wish to join. "We want it to remain relevant and effective, adapting to changing circumstances through continuous consultations with stakeholders," she stated. "This is just the beginning of our journey toward a common Mediterranean space."
The Action Plan is accompanied by a dedicated website where citizens can track the progress of the Mediterranean Pact's initiatives.