Paphos:Brussels The European Commission has reported significant progress in the implementation of its actions under the Pact for the Mediterranean, including the establishment of a European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus. This update was presented in collaboration with the European External Action Service (EEAS) alongside the updated Action Plan. Notably, the plan has expanded to include nine new key initiatives, bringing the total number of actions to 30, just one year after the Pact's inception.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the first pillar of the plan, which emphasizes people, education, and innovation, is advancing with the development of the Mediterranean University and new innovation and research centers. These initiatives aim to bolster scientific cooperation and enhance skills and competitiveness across the region. Additionally, the MED Skills Tracker is progressing to aid young individuals in skill development and job access. A new Mediterranean Youth Skills and Jobs Initiative is also in the pipeline, following an announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Two new actions under this pillar include the creation of a Mediterranean Science Diplomacy Centre and an initiative to promote the benefits of sport for physical and mental health.
The second pillar focuses on economic development and regional connectivity, featuring the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED), launched on June 9. This initiative aims to create a pipeline of renewable energy, electricity grid, and clean technology projects with an investment expectation of £25 billion. Progress is also evident in programs like StartUp4Med, which encourages social entrepreneurship and job creation, and the Surging Women's Employment Initiative (SWEI), in partnership with the United Nations, aiming to create 500,000 jobs for women in high-growth sectors. Currently, around 900 companies across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf have committed to the Women's Empowerment Principles.
New actions under this pillar include efforts to modernize trade and investment relations, promote sustainable transport, facilitate the green transition and climate resilience, and advance the Blue Mediterranean Mission, which focuses on promoting the blue economy and water resilience.
The third pillar addresses security, preparedness, and migration management, spotlighting the European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus, which extends disaster preparedness and response support to Southern Mediterranean countries. Six aircraft have been pre-positioned at Paphos airbase for the 2026 wildfire season, and a regional wildfire workshop was held in May. Upcoming initiatives include the launch of the MED-OP initiative on November 11, aimed at enhancing operational cooperation against serious and organized crime, and Secure Borders, which focuses on border management and security sector governance. Additionally, the first EU-Mediterranean Peace and Security Forum is scheduled for November 18 in Brussels.
Efforts are also underway to tackle irregular migration and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Under the Talent Partnerships, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are engaged in aligning legal labor migration pathways with labor market needs, especially in sectors like transport, tourism, hospitality, and construction. A new action under this pillar seeks to enhance protection for vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees through a comprehensive regional approach.
The Action Plan will undergo regular updates, with the next revision anticipated in spring 2027. An interactive webpage has been introduced to help stakeholders identify specific projects and initiatives by country and sector and monitor their progress.
The Pact for the Mediterranean was adopted by the European Commission in October 2025 and officially launched by the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners on November 28, 2025. It is founded on the principles of co-creation, co-ownership, and shared responsibility, uniting the EU, its member states, and Southern Mediterranean countries.