REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the implementation of the Western Mediterranean initiative
Date: 2023-01-05
Institutions: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission
Subjects: EU initiative, Mediterranean region (EU), Union for the Mediterranean, biodiversity, environmental protection, fishery management, maritime economy, maritime safety, regional cooperation, sustainable development

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 5.1.2023  COM(2023) 3 final  REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the implementation of the Western Mediterranean initiative  
 
 
1. 

INTRODUCTION – BACKGROUND  

the  blue  economy 

In  April  2017,  the  Commission  adopted  the  ‘Communication  on  the  Initiative  for  the 
sustainable  development  of 
the  Western  Mediterranean’ 
(‘WestMED  initiative’  or  ‘the  initiative’)  along  with  its  Framework  for  action1.  The 
initiative  was  formally  endorsed  in  November  the  same  year  by  the  ten  participating 
countries:  five  EU  Member  States  (France,  Italy,  Portugal,  Spain  and  Malta),  and  five 
southern  partner  countries  (Algeria,  Libya,  Mauritania,  Morocco  and  Tunisia)  at  a 
dedicated Ministerial Conference in Naples2.   

in 

The initiative is a direct  outcome of the  Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Declaration on 
the Blue Economy adopted at the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) conference held in 
November  2015.  The  conference  invited  participating  countries  to  explore  the  added 
value  and  feasibility  of  appropriate  maritime  strategies  at  sub-regional  level.  The 
initiative also builds on years of ‘5+5 Dialogue’ between the ten participating countries.  

The  WestMED  initiative  is  fully  in  line  with  other  relevant  EU  policies  linked  to  the 
region, such as the European neighbourhood policy. It became the second EU sea basin 
strategy (following the Atlantic maritime strategy), promoting maritime cooperation at a 
larger regional scale.  

The  initiative  contributes  to  the  objectives  of  the  Convention  for  the  Protection  of  the 
Marine  Environment  and  the  Coastal  Region  of  the  Mediterranean  (the  Barcelona 
Convention); the Mediterranean action plan; and the 2016-2025 Mediterranean strategy 
for sustainable development. It also contributes to the outcomes of the 21st Meeting of the 
Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention held in December 2019, committing to 
taking  tangible  action  to  protect  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  providing  support  for  a 
sustainable blue economy and an ecological transition in the region. 

The  WestMED  initiative  is  also  relevant  for  the  General  Fisheries  Commission  for  the 
Mediterranean  (GFCM)  and  its  recently  adopted  2030  strategy.  The  GFCM  strategy 
offers  a  common  vision and  guiding  principles  to  achieve  sustainable  fisheries  and 
aquaculture in the Mediterranean region.   

The  10  countries  undertook  to  work  together  on  their  shared  interest  for  the 
Mediterranean around three goals: (1) increase maritime safety and security, (2)promote 
sustainable  blue  economy,  growth  and  jobs,  and  (3)  preserve  ecosystems  and 
biodiversity. 

For  each  goal,  a  number  of  priorities  and  targeted  actions  were  set,  as  indicated  in  the 
framework for action accompanying the initiative: 

1.  Coastguard functions cooperation (training, capacity building, search and rescue) 
2.  Maritime safety and response to marine pollution rescue 
3.  Strategic research and innovation 
4.  Maritime clusters development 

1 COM(2017) 183 final. 

2https://www.westmed-initiative.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/1.Declaration-of-Algiers-04.12.2018-

EN.pdf  

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5.  Skills development and circulation 
6.  Sustainable consumption and production (maritime transport, ports, maritime and 

coastal tourism, marine aquaculture) 

7.  Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and coastal management. 
8.  Marine and maritime knowledge 
9.  Biodiversity and marine habitat conservation 
10. Sustainable fisheries and coastal community development 

In  December  2018,  in  Algiers,  the  ministers  from  the  WesternMED  countries,  together 
with the Commission and the UfM, adopted a declaration and a roadmap for action which 
stressed the need to focus on 63 of the 10 priorities listed above. The importance of the 
WestMED  initiative  was  reconfirmed  with  the  second  UfM  Ministerial  Declaration  on 
Sustainable Blue Economy, adopted on 2 February 20214.  

Governance 

The WestMED Steering Committee, or WMSC, provides high-level stewardship for the 
implementation  of  the  framework  for  action.  It  ensures  operational  coordination, 
provides guidance and support to ensure the initiative's expected results are achieved, and 
monitors  its  implementation.  The  WMSC  includes  national  coordinators  from  the 
relevant  ministries  from  the  participating  countries,  the  Commission  and  the  UfM, 
together with observers. 

The  WestMED  Assistance  Mechanism  is  financed  through  the  European  Fisheries  and 
Aquaculture  Fund  (EMFAF)5.  It  works  closely  with  the  Steering  Committee  and  its 
technical  working  groups  by  offering  operational,  logistical  and administrative support. 
The Assistance Mechanism also offers practical project support – mainly in the form of 
partner  matchmaking  and  project  development  –  through  their  representatives  in  nine 
national hubs.  

The  national  hubs  are  teams  of  national  experts  with  an  extensive  network  and  sound 
knowledge  of  funding  opportunities,  who  can  identify  areas  of  high  potential  and  help 
develop  project  ideas.  The  national  hubs  offer  confidential  and  tailored  guidance  on 
project  development,  funding  opportunities  and  partner  matchmaking,  and  are  able  to 
address local priorities.  

Obligation to report 

The  WestMED  initiative  has  been  in  place  for  5  years.  According  to  the  2017 
communication, the Commission ‘will report on the implementation of this initiative to 
the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  by  2022  based  on  countries’  reporting.’  The 
Commission must also ensure that the initiative is still aligned with current EU objectives 
and  policies.  To  that  end,  the  Commission  requested  an  independent  assessment  of  the 

3  1.  Maritime  cluster  development,  2.  Biodiversity  and  marine  habitat  conservation  and  restoration,  3. 
Sustainable consumption and production, 4. The development of coastal communities and sustainable 
fisheries and aquaculture, 5. Skills development and circulation, and 6. Maritime safety and the fight 
against marine pollution. 

4 https://ufmsecretariat.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Declaration-UfM-Blue-Economy-EN-1.pdf  

5 Previously the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. 

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initiative that looked at its objectives, successes and challenges.  The assessment took the 
form of a review study. 

2.  THE REVIEW STUDY  

The Commission  contracted an independent  review study  on the implementation  of the 
WestMED  initiative  to  support  the  present  report.  In  September  2021,  the  contractor 
began  work  to  help  determine  whether  the  goals  and  targets  of  the  initiative  had  been 
met, or whether they needed updating to better match current priorities. To that end, the 
contractor  considered  four  key  perspectives:  strategic  insights;  evaluation  of  the 
governance  level  and  the  priorities;  evaluation  of  the  initiative  and  the  role  of  the 
Assistance Mechanism; and the observers' perspective. 

The  study  was  conducted  between  October  2021  and  April  2022.  It  included  desk 
research  along  with  a  targeted  consultation  in  which  stakeholders,  members  of  the 
WestMED  Steering  Committee,  WestMED  co-chairs  and  members  of  the  Assistance 
Mechanism were all interviewed, ensuring full representation of the interested parties as 
well  as  geographical  balance.  Prior  to  the  interviews,  questionnaires  were  sent  to 
WestMED member countries) and the responses largely fed into the review study.  

The Commission drafted the present report after careful analysis of the feedback received 
via the questionnaires and the review study, and after consulting the WestMED Steering 
Committee. A number of conclusions and various recommendations are set out below. 

3.  OUTCOMES: STRENGTHS AND NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS  

In  its  5  years  of  existence,  the  initiative  has  proved  to  be  a  useful  intergovernmental 
platform  for  promoting  sustainable  blue  economy  sectors  across 
the  Western 
Mediterranean with  its bottom-up approach. Members of the initiative and observers to 
the governing body (the Steering Committee) perceive it as a  robust forum for dialogue 
and  cooperation.  Notably,  the  dedicated  stakeholder  conferences  and  hackathons  have 
gathered together hundreds of participants from the region.  

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the functioning and governance of the initiative, as 
most meetings had to be virtual. Nevertheless, great progress was made, partly due to the 
efforts made by the WestMED co-chairs. The initiative has shown continuous support for 
projects and project proposals; it successfully created two technical groups on sustainable 
aquaculture and green shipping; it informed relevant EMFF/EMFAF calls for proposals 
delegated to CINEA6; and it entered into key partnerships by signing a Memorandum of 
Understanding (MoU) with Interreg and the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers 
of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME).  

Although  certain  aspects  of  the  initiative  can  be  improved  (enhancing  visibility, 
developing  more  suitable  indicators  to  measure  progress  and  clarifying  some  of  the 
existing priorities), these can be tackled under the current governance of the initiative. 

6 European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. 

3 

 
 
                                                 
3.1. 

Strengths and added value 

The  WestMED  initiative  has  demonstrated  progress  and  success,  justifying  its  creation 
and continuation. Six key strengths were observed: 

  dialogue and soft diplomacy 
  cooperation and partnerships 
  project support 
  knowledge sharing 
 
  broader Mediterranean cooperation 

technical working groups and alliances 

3.1.1.  Dialogue and soft diplomacy 

The  WestMED  initiative  has  been  instrumental  in  supporting  the  needs  of  the  member 
countries, largely through the support of the Assistance Mechanism and the framework of 
soft diplomacy that has been established and that facilitates dialogue among its members 
on shared challenges and opportunities. The participatory and inclusive process is greatly 
appreciated by stakeholders. The initiative successfully reflects the diversity of needs and 
challenges in the region. 

As a forum for political dialogue and exchange, the WestMED initiative relies heavily on 
the  active  involvement  of  a  network  of  local  stakeholders  from  the  participating 
countries.  The  stakeholder  conferences  and  hackathons  organised  by  the  WestMED 
initiative – mostly to facilitate the exchange of project ideas and promote specific project 
development among regional stakeholders in the maritime sectors – have consolidated its 
position as a proven and effective tool for promoting contacts between countries which 
otherwise have limited means of cooperation or experience political tensions. 

The work of the WestMED technical groups and the maritime clusters has substantially 
contributed  to  strengthening  dialogue  across  the  participating  countries  and  their 
maritime stakeholders. 

3.1.2.  Cooperation and partnerships  

In  monitoring  relevant  funding  opportunities  in  the  blue  economy,  the  Assistance 
Mechanism  has  established  specific  means  of  collaboration  with  institutional  donors, 
notably  Interreg.  The  2021-2027  regulatory  framework  for  Cohesion  Funds  contains 
explicit  provisions  on  the  embedding  of  sea-basin  strategies.  A  roadmap  for  liaising 
activities  was  created  between  Interreg  Euro-MED  (2021-27)  and  the  WestMED 
initiative. It will increase coordination between players in the Mediterranean and help to 
create partnerships. 

To  support  partnerships  between  the  WestMED  and  relevant  regional  associations,  the 
Assistance Mechanism signed a MoU with ASCAME in 2021. The objective of the MoU 
is to establish a robust collaboration framework to promote the blue economy, ensure a 
safer  maritime  space,  and  improve  maritime  governance  in  the  region.  Some  of  the 
actions  planned  comprise  joint  initiatives  and  promote  dialogue  and  cooperation. 
Collaboration with ASCAME will strengthen the initiative's links with the private sector, 
leading to increased matchmaking and project support activities. Additionally, the MoU 
facilitates knowledge transfer between relevant private- public actors. 

4 

 
 
Looking  forward,  the  Assistance  Mechanism  might  want  to  explore  enhancing 
cooperation  and  even  project  proposals  from  new  partners  or  sources  of  funding.  This 
could be done in the context of Horizon Europe, the public-public EU Sustainable Blue 
Economy Partnership7 and the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, especially in 
relation  to  the  Mediterranean  Lighthouse  with  a  2030  horizon,  targeting  the  prevention 
and  elimination  of  pollution  along  with  the  protection  and  restoration  of  marine 
biodiversity and climate neutrality and circularity of the blue economy, facilitating also 
the commitment of relevant stakeholders to the objectives of the Mission. 

3.1.3.  Project support 

The  WestMED  initiative  has  supported  member  countries  in  developing  project 
proposals,  many  of  which  were  successful  in  obtaining  funding.  This  has  been  greatly 
appreciated by the countries.  

So far, 79 projects ideas have been actively supported by the initiative's central team and 
national hubs. They are worth a total of about EUR 92 million8. Additionally, more than 
160  projects  are  aligned  with  the  initiative  and  involve  around  600  partners  from  the 
member countries.  

Examples of significant projects supported over the last 4 years are set out in the Table 1. 
This is by no means a comprehensive list9. 

Table 1: summary of key projects supported by the Assistance Mechanism 

Name 

Objective 

DIGICIRC 

PSAMIDES 

DESTIMED PLUS  Promotion of integrated planning on 
coastal tourism 
European cluster-led accelerator for 
digitalisation of the circular economy 
across emerging sectors 
Optimisation of port operation and 
marina management via innovative 
tools 
Reduction of emissions within the ECA 
MED area 
Algal Forest Restoration in the 
Mediterranean 
Response preparedness for chemical 
spills  

WESTMOPOCO 

LIFE4MEDECA 

AFRIMED 

Source 

Interreg MED 

Amount 
(EUR) 

3 076 000 

Horizon 2020 

3 755 000 

Interreg MED 

2 859 000 

LIFE Programme 

1 637 000 

EMFF 

1 858 000 

DG ECHO 

868 000 

WestMED Project Awards 

The  WestMED  Project  Awards  (2021)  were  an  opportunity  to  spotlight  and  support 
projects  other  than  those  actively  supported  by  the  Assistance  Mechanism  and  national 

7https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/sites/default/files/bmr-2022/ec_rtd_bmr-2022-blue-economy-

fiche.pdf 

8Reporting from the Assistance Mechanism. 

9Full list: https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/publications/#Leaflets  

5 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
hubs.  The  aim  was  to  identify,  showcase  and  honour  exceptional  projects  that  provide 
innovative  and  replicable  solutions  in  a  range  of  areas,  embodying  the  WestMED 
initiative’s vision for the  Western Mediterranean.  In 2021,  a total  of  54 interesting and 
valuable projects from both sides of the Mediterranean entered the competition.  

The winner was the BLUESKILLS project  ‘Blue Jobs and Sustainable Economy in the 
Mediterranean  throughout  Enhancing  Skills  and  Developing  Capacities’,  funded  by  the 
Italian  Ministry  of  University  and  Research  and  led  by  the  Italian  National  Institute  of 
Oceanography  and  Applied  Geophysics.  The  project  promotes  opportunities  in  ‘blue’ 
careers by developing skills,  exchanging knowledge  and valorising research for  a  more 
sustainable  Mediterranean  Sea.  Its  aim  is  to  develop  new  curricula  and  increase 
employability in the marine and maritime sectors. Other finalists are listed in Table 2. 

Table 2: 2021 WestMED Project Awards finalists 

Name 

Objective 

BLUESKILLS 

Promotes opportunities in ‘blue’ careers 

ALGERIA 
START UP 
CHALLENGE 
SICOMAR plus 

BIOVecQ 

STARFISH 4.0 

Support Algerian aquaculture and 
environmental protection start-ups (focus on 
youth) 
Cross border cooperation project on maritime 
safety 

Promotes bilateral cooperation between Italian 
and Tunisian research centres on blue 
biotechnology 
Innovative solutions for the modernisation and 
digitalisation of small-scale fisheries 

Source 

Italian National 
Funds 
Algerian 
National Funds 

Interreg France-
Italy maritime 
programme 
Interreg Italy-
Tunisia 

Amount 
(EUR) 

N/A 

N/A 

6 688 000 

1 722 000 

EMFF 

1 158 000 

EMFAF call for flagship projects 2021 

In an effort to boost and streamline funds, the first EMFAF call for flagship projects on 
the blue economy focusing on the sea basin was launched in 2021. It included a specific 
call  for  WestMED  countries.  The  call  was  devoted  to  the  recovery  of  coastal  and 
maritime  tourism.  It  aimed  to  strengthen  the competitiveness  and  sustainability  of  the 
coastal  and  maritime  tourism sector  as  part  of  a  smart  and  resilient  blue  economy.  The 
topic  also  focuses  on  ecotourism,  digitalisation  of  the  sector  and  mobilising  private-
public investments. Three projects worth EUR 2 385 000 were awarded and are ongoing. 

Table 3: Projects awarded through EMFAF calls for flagship projects in WestMED countries 

Name 

Objective 

ECO-CRUISING 
FU_TOUR 
EU 
WeMED_NaTOUR 
REBOOT MED 

Boost managerial, blue and digital skills in the Western 
Mediterranean tourism sector with a focus on SMEs 
Develop transnational, eco-smart tourism packages, with a 
focus on natural marine sites/coastal destinations 
Recovering and boosting ecotourism: encourage public-
private partnership co-defining Blue Economy Action Plans 
for the Recovery of the tourism sector 

EU  contribution 
(EUR) 

792 177 

796 683 

999 380 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
3.1.4.  Knowledge sharing  

The  WestMED  initiative  has  been  a  successful  and  inspirational  forum  for  knowledge 
sharing. Member countries have had the possibility to learn from one another and share 
best  practice  and  reliable  methods  to  shape  policy,  leading  to  a  more  sustainable  blue 
economy. A clear example of this is the Algerian blue economy strategy. 

In 2021, Algeria became the first southern Mediterranean country to have a national blue 
economy strategy, looking ahead to the next ten years. This strategy identifies the needs, 
themes,  activities  and  priority  actions  required  to  build  an  integrated  and  sustainable 
maritime economy that is beneficial for all. The strategy also covers cross-border aspects 
of the blue economy.  

The  Algerian  blue  economy  strategy  was  inspired  by  the  WestMED  initiative,  together 
with  the  ideas  and  goals  explored  at  the  various  multilevel  events  and  among  regional 
partners,  ministers  and  steering  committees.  The  Assistance  Mechanism  also  provided 
specific  support  in  this  process.  In  fact,  the  Algerian  national  hub  and  WestMED 
Assistance  Mechanism  played  a  crucial  role  and  helped  national  authorities  in  the 
finalisation and presentation of the Algerian blue economy strategy. The EU supports the 
strategy  by  providing  EUR 22 million  for  the  development  of  the  blue  economy  in 
Algeria. 

The  Algerian  blue  economy  strategy  is  fully  integrated  into  the  Algerian  government's 
overall vision and contributes to the WestMED and UfM objectives.. 

Ultimately,  it  may  inspire  other  countries  to  develop  similar  strategies.  For  example, 
Tunisia is currently working on a strategy to be adopted in 2022. 

3.1.5.  Technical working groups and alliances 

In 2020, the WestMED created a technical group on green shipping. The group is led by 
the  Italian  and  Moroccan  national  hubs,  and  composed  of  experts,  specialists  and 
representatives from all  of the WestMED countries. The  group has  identified  three  key 
actions on the topics of sustainable maritime transport and alternative fuels: 

i) 
ii) 
iii) 

assess emerging technologies and innovative models; 
create a network of maritime ports as energy communities; 
help boost the adaptation of commercial vessels. 

AquaWest, a technical group on sustainable aquaculture, was set up in 2021 to support 
the  adoption  of  innovative  and  sustainable  aquaculture  practices  in  the  Western 
Mediterranean.  The  group  focuses  on  the  needs  and  opportunities  of  the  southern 
WestMED countries, allowing them to benefit from existing innovative practices in the 
region.  The  group  consists  of  a  number  of  high-level  policymakers  and  organisations 
from  the  aquaculture  sector  and  is  led  by  the  Algerian  national  hub.  The  group's  main 
objectives are to: 

i) 
ii) 
iii) 
iv) 
v) 

promote knowledge sharing; 
facilitate policy development; 
encourage stakeholder cooperation; 
identify funding; 
maintain an information-sharing platform. 

7 

 
 
In 2021 a network of maritime clusters was set up, signed in Italy and led by the Tunisian 
cluster. The network's main objectives are to: 

i) 

ii) 

iii) 

iv) 

encourage  discussion  and  the  exchange  of  knowledge  and  practices  among 
clusters; 
boost  the  development  of  southern  Mediterranean  maritime  clusters  through 
closer south-south cooperation; 
North-south  capacity  building  to  help  upgrade  cluster  management  skills 
between the northern and southern Mediterranean; 
attract investment – particularly private investments for innovative SMEs. 

3.1.6.  Broader Mediterranean cooperation 

The  WestMED  initiative  has  not  just  inspired  and  increased  both  cooperation  and 
discussion among its member countries, it has also led to broader cooperation across the 
rest of the Mediterranean. This has taken the form of project collaboration between EU 
shore and non-EU countries that are not WestMED members. 

Table 4: Examples of projects supported by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism involving 
non-WestMED countries 

Name 

Sector 

Objective 

Countries 

Source 

BLUEfasma  Circular 
economy 

Psamides 

Ports 

ODYSSEA 

R&I  

Integrate circular economy principles 
into fishing/aquaculture and 
coastal/maritime tourism to benefit 
insular, island and coastal areas in the 
Mediterranean 
Optimise port operation and marina 
management through innovative tools 
Operate cost-effective platforms that 
integrate networks for 
observation/forecasting systems across 
the Mediterranean  

MT GR CY HR 
MTN 

INTERREG 
MED 

Budget 
(EUR) 
2 812 000 

INTERREG 
MED 
H2020 

2 859 000 

8 399 000 

FR ES GR 
MTN HR 
MA DZ IT FR 
TN ES EG PT 
IL UK DE NL 
TR GR 

In an effort to further involve other Mediterranean countries,  in 2022 for the first time, 
EMFAF flagship calls that were normally only available to WestMED countries are open 
to  all  UfM  countries  thereby,  following  the  example  set  by  the  WestMED  itself, 
incorporating other Mediterranean nations in terms of projects. 

The BlueMed Initiative for a healthy and plastic-free Mediterranean comprised both EU 
and  non-EU  countries,  including  WestMED  countries.  It  aimed  to  advance  a  shared 
vision  for  a  healthier  and  resilient  Mediterranean  Sea,  promoting  the  social  well-being 
and  prosperity  of  future  generations.  It  developed  a  Mediterranean-specific  Strategic 
Research  and  Innovation  Agenda,  listing  key  challenges  in  the  Mediterranean, 
knowledge gaps, activities enabling blue growth  and measures  for skill enhancement in 
various sectors.  

In  2022,  the  Commission  published  a  new  Guidance  document  on  synergies  between 
Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund programmes.  

8 

 
 
 
There is now the possibility for cumulative funding, i.e. an operation/project can receive 
support  from  more  than  one  fund,  programme  or  instrument  for  the  same  cost  item  or 
expenditure allowing up to 100% of funding. 

Looking  forward,  the  WestMED  Initiative  will  cooperate  with  the  recently  launched 
coordination  and  support  action,  BlueMissionMed,  funded  under  the  Mission  “Restore 
our Ocean and waters by 2030”. 

3.2.  Areas where improvement can be considered 

Although the added value demonstrated by the WestMED initiative is clear, there is room 
for improvement in the following areas.  

3.2.1.  Raising awareness and enhancing visibility 

The current communication strategy is somewhat outdated. A better use of the logo for 
visibility purposes is necessary, to better showcase the work, progress and success of the 
initiative.  

Solution:  Improve  the  communication  strategy  and  make  better  use  of  the  WestMED 
logo as a brand.  

A  tailored  communication  strategy  would  help  make  the  WestMED  initiative  be  more 
visible. Activities and progress would be more evident and more accessible to the public. 
This communication strategy could be developed by collaborating with EU delegations in 
non-EU  countries  based  in  the  Mediterranean.  This  would  increase  visibility  and  could 
attract  new  investment  and  create  a  greater  leverage  effect  in  projects  and  grants  to 
develop these. 

More  effective  branding  would  help:  demonstrate  the  endorsement  of  participating 
countries;  increase  traction  of  the  branded  projects;  find  project  partners;  assist  the 
branded  projects  in  enlisting  support  from  governments  and  stakeholders  across  the 
region;  and  make  access  to  financing  opportunities  easier.  The  WestMED  initiative 
should seek to emulate the work done by the UfM's successful branding campaign.  

The  new  Assistance  Mechanism  should  help  produce  an  improved  communication 
strategy.  According  to  its  terms  of  reference,  the  consortium  responsible  for  the 
Assistance Mechanism  is required to  present  a communication strategy  and action plan 
for implementing this, which will be reviewed every 6 months.  

The new Assistance Mechanism can also support the introduction of the use of the logo 
as  a  brand.  This  will  be  key  to  defining  standard  branding  for  WestMED-supported 
projects  and  joint  initiatives  indicating  WestMED  endorsement  when  applying  for 
funding. Having clear guidelines on the use and applicability of the logo will ensure that 
all  member  countries  use  it  consistently.  The  Commission  can  facilitate  the  process  by 
sharing knowledge on standardised guidelines.  

3.2.2.  Refining performance metrics and indicators 

Refining  current  performance  metrics  and  indicators  will  improve  accuracy  when 
measuring  the  success  and  extent  of  the  actions  carried  out  under  the  WestMED 
initiative.  

9 

 
 
Other  than  in  relation  to  policy  development  and  the  contribution  by  WestMED, 
individual actions corresponding to each of the initiative's 10 priorities are not linked to 
the specific targets set out in the current framework for action.  

Many  of  the  targets  listed  are  too  broad  to  be  attributed  solely  to  the  activities  of  the 
initiative.  The  targets  are  primarily  quantitative  in  nature,  yet  many  of  the  initiative’s 
achievements to date are not easily measurable.  

Solution: 
implementation.  

reformulate  and  adopt  alternative  performance  metrics 

to  monitor 

The  revised  framework  should  comprise  both  qualitative  and  quantitative  indicators. 
These should be relevant, comprehensive and easy to monitor and report on. Integrating 
relevant aspects within the specific indicators will ensure that changes in priorities can be 
easily tracked across the governance and implementation levels.  It  will also ensure that 
any new priorities are easily integrated into reporting and monitoring processes. 

The  terms  of  reference  for  the  new  Assistance  Mechanism  state  that  it  should  draw  up 
criteria  and  indicators  to  monitor  and  measure  the  activities  of  the  various  sea  basin 
strategies and any related outcomes. This will make it easier to address the issue for the 
WestMED initiative and its framework for action and roadmap for action. 

3.2.3.  Reconfirming and streamlining priorities 

international, 
The  WestMED 
Mediterranean  and  EU  policies,  agreements  and  strategies  that  relate  to  the  sustainable 
blue economy.  

initiative  operates  within  a  broad  framework  of 

The  initiative's  3  overarching  goals  and  10  priorities  align  to  a  certain  extent  with 
regional and Mediterranean policies. For example, the WestMED initiative builds on the 
2015 UfM Ministerial Declaration on the blue economy. However, WestMED priorities 
were  set  prior  to  the  more  recent  second  UfM  Ministerial  Declaration  on  a  sustainable 
blue economy (2021). 

Since the Declaration of Algiers was adopted in 2018, projects and proposals supported 
by  the  initiative  have  focused  mainly  on  the  6  priorities  outlined  in  the  roadmap  for 
action, rather than the 10 in the framework for action. The roadmap does not describe a 
specific way to implement the remaining priorities10. However, some progress has been 
made through the projects11 and the latest hackathon held in June 2022. This hackathon 
showed  a  renewed  interest  in  maritime  spatial  planning  and  coastal  tourism.  The 
WestMED  Assistance  Mechanism  has  been  supporting  networking  events  on  Maritime 
Spatial Planning (including eastern Mediterranean countries) and will continue to do so, 
notably through a new group of experts on MSP set up through the MSP-Med project.  

Solution:  Reconfirm  and  streamline  priorities  based  on  regional  and  international 
priorities. 

10I.e.,  coastguard  functions  cooperation,  strategic  research  and  innovation,  spatial  planning  and  coastal 

management, and marine/maritime knowledge exchange and synergies 

11E.g., the FIUFFRA project which promotes cooperation in the fight against IUU fishing 

10 

 
 
                                                 
Recalibrating  and  aligning  the  initiative’s  priorities  with  the  new  regional  and 
international  policy  initiatives  would  be  useful.  This  could  be  done  by  building  on  the 
second UfM Ministerial Declaration on a sustainable blue economy. This was endorsed 
by the 42 UfM members and stresses the need to tackle the environmental and climate-
related challenges facing the entire region.  

These topics can be discussed in the next WestMED Ministerial meeting, due to be held 
in 2023. 

4.  RECOMMENDATIONS  

As evidenced  in  this document, the WestMED  initiative has so far been successful and 
has  clearly  advanced  its  goals  under  its  three  main  priorities.  Concrete  examples  of 
progress  include the  creation of technical  groups, support for project  matchmaking  and 
project  development,  and  the  creation  of  various  partnerships.  More  broadly,  the 
WestMED  initiative  has  noticeably  led  to  improved  cooperation  and  dialogue  in  the 
region among its member countries, and also beyond, by including other Mediterranean 
countries – both EU and non-EU members – in a wide range of projects.   

Recommendation 1: Overall, the Commission recommends that the WestMED initiative 
and  its  accompanying  framework  for  action  remain  as  they  are.  The  benefits  described 
above  prove  their  suitability.  There  is  therefore  no  need  for  changes  as  potential 
improvements can be made without amending the current agreement. 

Recommendation  2:  The  Commission  recommends  that  the  Assistance  Mechanism 
should  address  issues  such  as  increasing  visibility;  better  use  of  project  branding  (e.g. 
logo); and improved, more appropriate metrics for evaluating the implementation of the 
initiative. As requested in the terms of reference, the new Assistance Mechanism should 
present a new communication strategy, working  with EU Delegations in  Mediterranean 
countries, and a new set of indicators to measure progress.  

Recommendation 3: Priorities in relation to regional and international policies should be 
reviewed and streamlined, taking account of the second UfM Ministerial Declaration on a 
sustainable blue economy. The member countries can discuss this in the next Ministerial 
meeting, planned for 2023.  

4.1.  Looking forward 

Following the presentation to the Council and European Parliament, this report will also 
be presented at the Ministerial meeting of the WestMED in 2023, in Malta. During this 
meeting,  the  countries  can  choose  to  reconfirm  or  update  the  priorities  included  in  the 
current 2017 framework for action. They can also update those highlighted in the 2018 
Algiers Declaration and roadmap for action.  

The  Commission  proposes  that  another  review  study  of  the  initiative  be  carried  out  by 
2027. The next Commission report to the Council and European Parliament should also 
take account of reporting from WestMED countries. 

The  Commission  will  publicise  and  share  this  report  among  relevant  institutions  and 
interested parties. 

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