Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Boosting sustainable growth and quality jobs in Euromed: promoting entrepreneurship and tapping into the potential of women and young people (own-initiative opinion)
Date: 2025-09-18
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: Union for the Mediterranean, economic development, female work, gender equality, participation of women, regional cooperation, social development, sustainable development, youth employment








C_202600019EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/19


16.1.2026






Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee
Boosting sustainable growth and quality jobs in Euromed: promoting entrepreneurship and tapping into the potential of women and young people
(own-initiative opinion)
(C/2026/19)


Rapporteur: 
Milena ANGELOVA

Co-rapporteur: 
Ioannis VARDAKASTANIS






Advisor


Tellervo KYLÄ-HARAKKA-RUONALA (to the Group I rapporteur)
Ioannis GRIGORIADIS (to the Group III co-rapporteur)




Plenary Assembly decision


27.2.2025




Legal basis


Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure




Referral


 




Legal basis


 




Section responsible


External Relations




Adopted in section


9.7.2025




Adopted at plenary session


18.9.2025




Plenary session No


599




Outcome of vote
(for/against/abstentions)


87/0/5




1.   Conclusions and recommendations









1.1.


The objective of this own-initiative EESC opinion is to map out potential ways to foster entrepreneurship and quality job creation in the Mediterranean region, paying specific attention to tapping into and enhancing the potential of women and young people. The aim is to provide input for the development of the long-awaited Pact for the Mediterranean (1), and to boost more inclusive and resilient growth and overall prosperity across the region.












1.2.


Traditional gender roles and social norms still restrict women’s economic and social participation in many parts of the region. The EESC considers it vital to identify and remove gender-related structural obstacles in the areas of education, labour markets and entrepreneurship. The EESC also calls for awareness to be raised of the benefits of diversity and gender equality in the economy and society, making use of role models and communicating on the achievements of female entrepreneurs and leaders.












1.3.


The EESC highlights that young people could emerge as one of the most valuable assets of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). To realise their potential, they need access to education and opportunities to develop their skills (including solid entrepreneurial and citizenship skills), from basic education to vocational training and higher education. More investment is needed in youth mobility and student exchange programmes, including through efficient university cooperation, with the widest possible participation of Euromed partner countries.












1.4.


Girls and women should be encouraged to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, and be hired in quality occupations in this area. Digital skills and financial literacy are also necessary to enhance their opportunities for entrepreneurship and leadership. To overcome regional disparities and geographic isolation, the EESC also considers it important to use online and mobile learning to provide people in remote areas with equal access to education and training.












1.5.


To give young people the prospect of an auspicious future in the region, it is vital to improve their working opportunities and conditions and provide them with the means to influence and participate in society. The EESC also considers it crucial to enhance the quality of working conditions for women, including by preventing discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, it is vital to unleash their potential for leadership in politics, business and civil society.












1.6.


The EESC highlights the urgent need to provide women and young people with the full range of possibilities for entrepreneurship. This requires favourable conditions for business and proper access to finance, together with access to electricity and digital infrastructure, and land, water and other natural resources, as well as legally enabled and secured ownership. Networking and collaboration opportunities, including access to innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial hubs, also need to be ensured.












1.7.


The EESC stresses the importance of the rule of law, pointing out that legal certainty and predictability are crucial for running any business in any country. Serious efforts need to be made to advance anti-corruption measures and the implementation of international labour and human rights conventions.












1.8.


Besides new entrepreneurs, established MSMEs (2) need a supportive operating environment. The EESC highlights the fact that favourable investment conditions and new trade opportunities reaching wider markets play a central role in helping these enterprises grow and succeed in the Mediterranean region. To benefit from support measures, MSMEs need to be brought out of the ‘grey’, informal sector and be registered as part of the formal economy.












1.9.


In addition, the EESC highlights specific fields with growing potential for entrepreneurship, which should be assessed and promoted in the context of the Mediterranean partnerships. These include, for example, sustainable farming and tourism, renewable energy production, advanced water management and supply, and the development of the digital economy, as well as creative sectors, traditional crafts and liberal professions.












1.10.


The EESC stresses the importance of projects that promote market connectivity across the Mediterranean, including the connection of energy markets and grids. The implementation of all relevant projects contributing to this objective should therefore be stepped up.




2.   Scope and objectives









2.1.


The Mediterranean region has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world. The recent complex polycrisis has further aggravated the situation, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as young people, women, migrants and people with disabilities. The objective of this own-initiative EESC opinion is (building on the EESC’s previous work (3)) to map out potential ways to foster job creation and support the entrepreneurial spirit and development of MSMEs in this region. It pays specific attention to the need to tap into the potential of women and young people and provide them with opportunities for entrepreneurship, quality occupations and decent work.












2.2.


As the recommendations made in this opinion contribute to the Pact for the Mediterranean, the EESC expects stronger and concrete Mediterranean partnerships to be built in a number of areas of mutual interest indicated by the European Commission (4). The opinion relates mainly to the areas of sustainable investment, economic stability and job creation, but also has links to energy, sustainable resource management, connectivity, security, migration and mobility. In addition, it interfaces with the work of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) (5) and other regional organisations, which run specific projects and initiatives focused on business development, creating employment opportunities and improving the employability of people in the region.




3.   General comments









3.1.


Resilient and thriving enterprises are key for generating sustainable growth and quality employment. While this applies to any region, boosting entrepreneurship is of utmost importance for regions with low connectivity, high unemployment and lower per-capita income and economic performance. Entrepreneurship generates economic activity and well-being for people and whole regions. It is also a key means for individuals to both self-employ and create jobs for other people.












3.2.


The prerequisites of entrepreneurship are, in principle, the same everywhere. Access to a wide range of resources and to the markets for products – whether goods or services – lays the material foundation for successful enterprises. On top of that, there is an imperative need for relevant competences and skills, and for an overall societal climate that is conducive to business and entrepreneurship. Moreover, creativity and courage to take risks are essential characteristics of entrepreneurs themselves. The quality of the institutional framework also plays a major role in developing sound and resilient entrepreneurship by enhancing a favourable operating environment and fair competition.












3.3.


In general, inclusive societies must be based on liberal democracy, the rule of law and civil and social dialogue processes in all Mediterranean countries, for the benefit of businesses, workers and all people, especially women, young people and people with disabilities. The EESC recognises that there are still challenges to overcome, including ongoing inter-state and civil war conflicts, substantial migrant flows and climate-change-induced pressures, as well as shortcomings regarding education and training, labour market conditions and access to essential services, finance and other resources, and the lacking general investment and trade conditions necessary for inclusive and sustainable growth.












3.4.


Moreover, women and young people, especially those most vulnerable (such as those with disabilities) face higher barriers stemming from a mix of cultural, economic and systemic factors. Their skills remain underexploited, meaning that these groups have considerable potential to contribute to the economy and society.












3.5.


The magnitude of the challenge related to young people is illustrated by the fact that, in the MENA region, more than 300 million young people will be entering the job market by 2050. It is thus crucial to ensure that young people have access to opportunities for quality employment and for pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions, thereby enabling their economic independence and safeguarding their right to stay, while also contributing to social stability and sustainable growth in the region.












3.6.


Closing the gender gap could increase economic growth in the region by a remarkable degree. Both Europe and the MENA region sit below the 6,2 % global average of women who own their own business (5,3 % and 4,5 % respectively). On the other hand, women set up a significant share of start-ups in the Mediterranean region.












3.7.


Unlocking the full potential of both women and young people in the labour market would not only be beneficial for individuals and enhance their economic participation, but would also contribute to strong social structures and foster more inclusive and resilient economic growth across the region, driving quality job creation and enhancing overall prosperity.












3.8.


Strengthening the economy of the region also requires a boost in trade, especially in view of the recent reshaping of global trade (6). Trade flow distribution in the Euro-Mediterranean region indicates that 90 % happens within the EU, while only 1 % of trade flows go between the Southern Mediterranean neighbours. Trade flows between the north and the south also lie far below the potential, despite the Mediterranean having been a hotbed of global trade for millennia. Investment in corridors and linkage points among the Mediterranean states has long been neglected.












3.9.


Promoting entrepreneurship and quality job creation in the Mediterranean (with a specific focus on the needs and potential of women and young people) provides the EU with an opportunity for beneficial partnerships with its southern neighbours in several fields.












3.10.


When building partnerships, it is necessary to consider the varying and specific features of each country in the region, and to consequently adopt a tailored approach suitable to local conditions and needs.




4.   Measures needed to overcome the main challenges

4.1.   
Addressing cultural perceptions










4.1.1.


Despite a growing countervailing trend, traditional gender roles and social norms can still restrict women’s economic participation in many parts of the Mediterranean region. Cultural expectations often place primary responsibility for caregiving and household duties on women, limiting their access to opportunities related to education, career development and upward social development. In some countries, women cannot conduct their own affairs, e.g. independently manage their finances or travel for work purposes, nor can they register property in their own name.












4.1.2.


Furthermore, women often face gender bias, stereotypes and glass ceilings in hiring, career progression and pay. This discrimination can hinder their access to leadership positions and high-paying industries. The fear of harassment and discrimination in the workplace can, in some countries, deter women from pursuing certain careers or industries, resulting in lower participation rates, remuneration and job satisfaction. Internal programmes for achieving safe and non-discriminatory workplaces therefore need to be actively supported.












4.1.3.


While it is difficult and time-consuming to achieve changes in cultural norms and community attitudes, it is vital to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity and gender equality in the economy and society. The visibility of female entrepreneurs and active communication on their success stories should be enhanced both in the traditional media and on digital platforms, including through social media influencers and also by getting men engaged in advocating gender equality in business.












4.1.4.


At the same time, it is important to identify gender-related structural obstacles related to education, labour markets, entrepreneurship and decision-making, and seek ways to remove them.




4.2.   
Reducing educational and skills gaps










4.2.1.


To overcome obstacles related to skills and competences, it is essential to ensure that girls and women have equal access to education and various learning opportunities as boys and men, from basic education to vocational training and higher education, thereby contributing to better working prospects for them. Role models with good standing in regional communities should be supported to enhance this.












4.2.2.


In some regions, particularly in rural or underserved areas, people may have less access to quality education and vocational training, which limits their employability. Digital tools and platforms should be leveraged and fully used to provide people in remote areas with access to education, training and interaction forums, with due consideration of the languages spoken in those areas. The use of online and mobile learning requires robust digital connections, highlighting the importance of digital and electricity infrastructure, such as affordable access to internet and digital devices, including for those most vulnerable.












4.2.3.


There is often a discrepancy between the skills taught in schools and universities and the skills needed in the job market. Women and young people may be particularly affected by this mismatch due to fewer opportunities to engage in skills-building programmes, internships or apprenticeships. More investment is therefore needed in youth mobility and student exchange programmes to enhance young people’s personal development and professional competences and skills. Efficient university cooperation with the widest possible participation of Euromed partner countries, modelled along the lines of the Erasmus programme, could improve opportunities not only for education but also for entrepreneurial partnerships, while preventing brain drain.












4.2.4.


Young women are severely underrepresented in STEM occupations, which are critical for future job markets. This limits their access to high-growth and high-income opportunities. It is therefore important to encourage girls and women to study STEM subjects and get acquainted with AI and other advanced digital technologies and tools. Moreover, developing strong financial and economic literacy helps give them better capabilities for entrepreneurship and leadership positions. Combining science and art could further contribute to creativity and innovation, thereby fostering both female and male entrepreneurship.












4.2.5.


Specific attention must be paid to providing the knowledge and skills required in the digital and green transitions, ranging from basic skills needed in daily life to higher-level competences and top-level expertise. In this context, it must be recognised that young people are not only targets of education but also have a lot to offer in terms of digital skills and environment-related practices.












4.2.6.


Young people could emerge as one of the most valuable assets of the MENA countries, provided they are given the opportunity to pursue education and develop skills. Young people should be provided with general civic and citizenship skills to enable them to influence and participate in society in all kinds of ways, including with civil society organisations (CSOs), in social partnerships, with stakeholder organisations, in support structures, etc. This is also necessary from the point of view of preparing for the future, as young people are the leaders of tomorrow and must be an active part of policy- and decision-making.












4.2.7.


In addition, they should be provided with entrepreneurial and leadership skills, considering that these skills are useful not only for entrepreneurs but in everyday life as well. Role models are particularly important for young people and need to be involved in education and training activities. CSOs play a crucial role in non-formal education, helping to bridge gaps in traditional learning systems and providing accessible, inclusive and community-driven educational opportunities.




4.3.   
Improving labour market conditions










4.3.1.


The Mediterranean region has faced disproportionately high unemployment rates, especially among women and young people. This is due to economic challenges, demographic pressure, slow economic growth, and sometimes a mismatch between jobseekers’ skills and the needs of the labour market. The high proportion of undeclared work in turn weakens working conditions and social protection. Young people in particular are more likely to be employed in temporary or informal jobs that offer low pay, limited benefits and little job security.












4.3.2.


Young people expect proper living conditions and an outlook for a positive future in terms of professions and jobs, and in turn can contribute to the positive development and resilience of their countries, communities and regions. They are often agents for change and drivers of economic, social and environmental progress. Moreover, they are able and willing to suggest innovative solutions and to network across borders. It is thus vital to focus major efforts on providing them with meaningful working opportunities and good and respectful working conditions that encourage them to stay.












4.3.3.


Economic opportunities are particularly limited in rural areas where formal, quality jobs are scarce, and most employment is centred on agriculture or small-scale enterprises. Even reliable population data may be scarce in some areas. Moreover, in regions where public health infrastructure is inadequate, limited access to healthcare can affect people’s ability to work and overall productivity, with a more significant impact on women, young people and people with disabilities.












4.3.4.


Women may also be more vulnerable to unsafe working conditions, especially in certain industries. Concerns about personal safety and health can deter women from entering or remaining in the workforce. It is therefore crucial to enhance decent work and introduce internal programmes to create quality working conditions for women, including preventing discrimination, harassment and mistreatment of any kind, and by effectively enforcing international labour and human rights conventions.












4.3.5.


By and large, there is a significant lack of female, disabled and youth representation in leadership and decision-making positions. This can contribute to policies and practices that perpetuate the vicious cycle of bias and underrepresentation. It is therefore crucial to unleash the potential of diverse people by facilitating their entry into leadership positions in politics, business and the third sector, thereby also creating and encouraging role models to be actively involved in the awareness raising programmes.












4.3.6.


Special attention should be paid to supporting work-life balance for women, such as access to affordable childcare and aged care, considering that women are more likely to take on these tasks, alongside household responsibilities, which can limit their work options and career growth.




4.4.   
Removing barriers to entrepreneurship and facilitating growth of enterprises










4.4.1.


Problems with entrepreneurship stem from various kinds of obstacles, including impeded access to finance and a lack of support structures. Weak enforcement of the rule of law also causes problems, given that legal certainty of the operating environment is crucial for running businesses. Corruption, for its part, distorts competition and discourages trade. Moreover, there are regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles, as navigating business regulations is challenging, especially for those who are new to entrepreneurship or face language barriers. To enhance a favourable business environment, the regulatory framework targeting entrepreneurs should be simplified and, when needed, accompanied by clear implementation guidance, ensuring that social and environmental standards are not compromised.












4.4.2.


Women and young entrepreneurs face specific difficulties in accessing funding and financial resources, which are a key prerequisite for establishing and running an enterprise. Financial institutions may have biases or perceptions that make them hesitant to lend to women or younger business owners, who are perceived as ‘higher-risk’ or ‘unfit’ clients. There may also be age-related restrictions for older women. Some female business angels have been active in the agricultural sector, thereby supporting female start-ups.












4.4.3.


Access to electricity and digital infrastructure, and to land, water and other natural resources is a necessity as well, but may not always be available or affordable. The lack of land ownership and scarcity of clean water are severe barriers that prevent women from engaging in agricultural activities. Legally enabled and secured ownership is an overall prerequisite for entrepreneurship.












4.4.4.


There is also a need for mentoring, networking opportunities and training programmes specifically designed for young entrepreneurs, for female entrepreneurs of all ages and for disabled entrepreneurs. Businesswomen organisations play a vital role in helping and promoting female entrepreneurs in all Mediterranean countries (7). There are also young entrepreneurs’ associations in several countries.












4.4.5.


There is an obvious need to enhance and support networking in various sectors and at all levels, from local to international, with specific attention to regional networks. On top of general networking, including participating in conferences and business events, women and young entrepreneurs need opportunities for concrete collaboration with other entrepreneurs and enterprises. Given that intensive interaction and cooperation are necessary for innovation and business development, it is important to provide makerspaces and to promote inclusive access to entrepreneurial hubs and innovation and business ecosystems.












4.4.6.


Social economy entrepreneurship is one way that young people can get engaged in the economic and societal development at the local level, including in rural areas. Supporting bottom-up initiatives such as energy communities is crucial and is particularly relevant for promoting social and environmental objectives. It may also provide young people with knowledge and skills that can be useful in many other contexts.












4.4.7.


In addition to new entrepreneurs, established enterprises also need supportive conditions. Many MSMEs strive to improve their performance by developing and expanding their operations. To this end, they need support to build capacity in the digital economy, which is an integral part of any business today. Favourable investment conditions and new trade opportunities to reach wider markets, including through fostering north-south connectivity, play a central role as well. Partnership projects like EBSOMED and projects under the Global Gateway are important instruments for helping these enterprises to succeed in the Euromed region (8).




5.   Specific fields for entrepreneurship and partnerships









5.1.


The green transition can offer numerous opportunities for entrepreneurship and quality job creation in the Mediterranean region, with resulting products and services also destined for use in the EU. These opportunities include, for example, production of renewable energy. Production of solar power or hydrogen, accompanied by related energy networks, are areas in which joint projects could result in remarkable benefits in the longer run for the whole region.












5.2.


Moreover, blue diplomacy, sustainable water management and the development of water supply and infrastructure, including water desalination, offer great collaboration opportunities across the Mediterranean.












5.3.


Sustainability aspects can also open up new perspectives for entrepreneurship in conventional sectors such as farming, as well as tourism, in terms of travelling, accommodation and food. New demand may also arise for the production and supply of crafts and traditional products.












5.4.


The digital transition provides various entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for technology start-ups. All enterprises must adopt digital technologies in their operations. The rapid development of AI is bringing profound changes for many sectors, requiring all organisations to harness these opportunities quicky, while also managing the challenges they bring. To facilitate entrepreneurial collaboration in the digital economy, robust digital connections need to be enhanced, access to business hubs provided and smooth mobility of people facilitated across the region.












5.5.


Creative sectors such as music, cinema and design industries are one more example that can be considered pivotal in boosting entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young people and women in the Mediterranean region. Moreover, creative sectors play an important role as promoters of cross-cultural understanding and drivers of innovation.




There should also be a focus on liberal professions, ranging from medical to legal, social, financial and engineering professions. They are closely related to the safety and quality of people’s lives, thus playing a key role in the development of a society. They can provide meaningful working and living perspectives for young people and a good work-life balance for women.


Brussels, 18 September 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





(1)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – A New Pact for the Mediterranean (exploratory opinion) (OJ C, C/2026/28, 16.1.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/28/oj).

(2)  
            OJ C 486, 21.12.2022, p. 1.

(3)  
            OJ C, C/2025/769, 11.2.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/769/oj; OJ C, C/2023/862, 8.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/862/oj; OJ C, C/2025/1189, 21.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1189/oj; OJ C, C/2024/877, 6.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/877/oj; OJ C 100, 16.3.2023, p. 68, EESC opinion ‘
            A call for an EU Blue Deal
            ’; OJ C 349, 29.9.2023, p. 18; OJ C 443, 22.11.2022, p. 63.

(4)  
            https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/strategy-documents/commission-work-programme/commission-work-programme-2025_en.

(5)  
            https://ufmsecretariat.org/, https://alf.website/en/; the EESC has memoranda of understanding with both organisations.

(6)  After the drastic protectionist tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump on 2 April 2025.

(7)  
            www.afaemme.org.

(8)  
            https://www.ebsomed.eu/.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/19/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)