Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – A New Pact for the Mediterranean (exploratory opinion)
Date: 2025-09-18
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: EU action, Mediterranean region (EU), Mediterranean third countries, Southern neighbourhood, cooperation policy, economic integration, migration, sustainable development








C_202600028EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2026/28


16.1.2026






Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee
A New Pact for the Mediterranean
(exploratory opinion)
(C/2026/28)


Rapporteur: 
Thomas WAGNSONNER

Co-rapporteur: 
Lidija PAVIĆ-ROGOŠIĆ






Advisors


Karol ZABAWA (rapporteur’s advisor, Group II)
Rim FILALI MEKNASSI (co-rapporteur’s advisor, Group III)
Maria GAVOUNELI (advisor to Group I)




Referral


European Commission, 20.3.2025




Legal basis


Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure




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)


160/1/2




1.   Conclusions and recommendations









1.1.


The Mediterranean region is a strategic area for the EU, not only for geopolitical reasons but also because of the significant economic, cultural and development opportunities it offers for the cooperation and mutual benefit of all people in the whole Euromed region.












1.2.


The EESC expects the New Pact for the Mediterranean (the Pact) to actively promote peace, democracy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the rule of law, equal access to justice, inclusive prosperity and stability, civic spaces and human and labour rights, and to foster respect for international humanitarian law (IHL). The EESC also supports strongly the renewed multilateralism in political and trade relations and highlights the opportunity of bilateral agreements within a multilateral context, which should focus, among other things, in particular on the growing potential for entrepreneurship.












1.3.


The EESC sees the Pact as a new development model, with shared partnerships and business opportunities able to deliver economic growth and innovation, with good quality jobs and opportunities especially for young people and women who are active in inclusive and socially stable societies. The EESC therefore wishes to become an integral institutional partner in this process. It also calls on the European Commission to consider upgrading the existing EESC Euromed Follow-up Committee to an inclusive body with members from the partner countries which will play a key role in monitoring and evaluating the Pact.












1.4.


The EESC calls for the Pact to be accompanied by evaluations of previous policies and strategies, to be carried out by the Commission.












1.5.


The EESC emphasises that monitoring and evaluation of the Pact must be participatory from the outset, ensuring that civil society organisations (CSOs) and social partners play an active role in shaping indicators, verifying data and interpreting findings and are consulted on implementation.












1.6.


The EESC calls for the Pact to include targeted support for social and civil dialogue mechanisms and organisations. It also calls for a stronger and guaranteed role within the Pact for Economic and Social Councils (ESCs) and similar bodies in the Euromed region, including the Mediterranean Youth Council, and supports the creation of ESCs and similar bodies in countries lacking such a structure.












1.7.


The EESC emphasises the significance of including and endorsing the voices of non-traditional and marginalised people and groups in formal decision-making processes. It points out that there is currently no streamlined gender perspective in the discourse surrounding the Pact and emphasises the role of young people in co-creating it.












1.8.


Internal and regional conflicts are a reality in the region. The EESC underlines the role of the Pact and the forthcoming EU Middle East Strategy in reshaping the EU’s approach to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, on which socially inclusive policies can be based. CSOs and social partners must be involved in shaping these strategies.












1.9.


The EESC stresses the need for a differentiated approach to labour migration, separating these affairs from the perspective of security. It also calls for current and future frameworks to adopt a balanced approach which takes due account of the risks and benefits for both the EU and partner countries (1).












1.10.


The EESC calls for targeted investment in infrastructure projects, which requires a fair and inclusive interregional financial framework. At present, cooperation among major development banks and other donors is marred by fragmentation and inadequate coordination. The establishment of a formal investment coordination mechanism, such as a regional investment bank or fund actively involving all partner countries and civil society, would facilitate the mobilisation of resources and the financing of key infrastructure projects, and promote inclusive and green growth.












1.11.


Entrepreneurship remains key for the sustainable development of the Mediterranean. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of economic and social development across the region, need support to build capacity in the digital economy and rely on energy and infrastructure connectivity, in both the North-South and South-South corridors (2).












1.12.


The EESC points out that the Pact has the potential to deepen trade relations with the partner countries and establish a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area. The negotiations on a new generation of trade agreements will have to be begun afresh. The EESC considers it imperative that those negotiations include sustainable development chapters, joint management of mobility, and monitoring by organised civil society through domestic advisory groups (DAGs).












1.13.


EU tools such as Erasmus+ and Interreg must introduce dedicated funding lines for civil society – taking into account specific local circumstances when drafting the eligibility criteria – along with simplified applications and long-term financing options. Re-granting mechanisms, successfully implemented in the Western Balkans (Western Balkans Fund and Regional Civil Society Development Hub), should be leveraged to improve access to funding.












1.14.


The EESC advocates for local participation mechanisms such as regional forums and rural civil society incubators, and simplified grants for genuine grassroots actors. To promote territorial cohesion, it calls for incentives for urban-rural collaboration in areas such as food, energy and mobility backed by targeted rural funding, drawing on models like the EU’s LEADER/CLLD approach.












1.15.


The EESC emphasises that capacity building and civic education integrated into formal education systems are instrumental in strengthening participatory governance and policy advocacy. Non-formal education plays a crucial role and should be supported.












1.16.


This opinion was drawn up together with youth representatives (Pablo Pastor Vidal, Abdullatif Sleibi, Layal Beyhum). The EESC recommends involving young people in all stages of the policy-making process, from decision-making to the implementation and evaluation of policies. It is vital to implement robust monitoring, feedback and accountability mechanisms at all stages (3). The role of young people, in particular from different socioeconomic levels and regional backgrounds, in co-creating the Pact is key to ensuring inclusive participation and addressing the difficulties they face in participating.












1.17.


The EESC is in favour of supporting the expansion of UNIMED to all Euro-Mediterranean countries and creating financial tools to assist in this process and support the rotation capacities of students and researchers.












1.18.


The EESC welcomes the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza presented on 4 March 2025 and calls on the Commission to align EU funding with it and to advocate for Palestinian civil society to be included as full partners in designing, implementing and monitoring this plan under the Pact.












1.19.


The Pact should build upon the Naples Process for cultural collaboration in Europe and develop joint strategies to protect and enhance culture as a common good for the region and an important tool for EU external relations. The EESC supports the launch of a corresponding EU-Mediterranean Cultural Fund.




2.   Scope and objectives









2.1.


The Pact, as outlined in official EU communications and speeches (4), seeks to establish a strategic, people-centred framework for deeper EU-Southern Mediterranean cooperation. It aims to address evolving geopolitical circumstances through stronger political commitment and partnerships, focusing on shared priorities. The Pact will include the ten Southern Neighbourhood countries. The EESC welcomes the key policy areas as quoted in the scoping paper namely ‘energy and clean tech; water resilience and climate change preparedness; agriculture, trade and investment, including rare earth minerals; migration management; talent, skills and jobs development; mobility; higher education; culture and sport; digital and transport (including ports) connectivity; and security and defence’.












2.2.


The Pact is expected to build upon the Joint Communication on a 
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – A New Agenda for the Mediterranean
 and the accompanying Economic and Investment Plan, published in February 2021. The EESC adopted the corresponding opinion on 
A New Agenda for the Mediterranean
 (5) in July 2021 and reiterates that the recommendations set out in it should be incorporated into the Pact.












2.3.


The EESC has adopted several opinions (6) regarding the Euro-Mediterranean region (see Annex) and underscores the importance of incorporating them and other relevant strategies (e.g. the 
Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development 2016–2025
) in the Pact.












2.4.


The latest ministerial declarations adopted by the member states of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in fields such as the environment and climate, energy, the blue economy, sustainable urban development, employment and labour and women’s empowerment, remain key regional strategies with which the Pact must align.




3.   General comments


Governance and democracy









3.1.


The EESC acknowledges the Commission’s efforts to draft the Pact and underscores the significance of basing it on the Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – A New Agenda for the Mediterranean. The EESC expects the Pact to actively promote peace, democracy, good governance, the fight against corruption, the rule of law, equal access to justice, competitiveness, inclusive growth and prosperity, civic spaces and human and labour rights and to foster respect for IHL and the role of the UN in the region. Access to funds for any initiatives included in the Pact must depend on these commitments being met.












3.2.


In order to ensure consistency and facilitate the identification of lessons learned, it is crucial to evaluate previous policies and the reasons for the failure of previous agreements regarding a comprehensive Mediterranean strategy. This evaluation should be summarised in a report to be published alongside the Pact. The EESC calls for civil society (CSOs and social partners) to play a role in drafting this report, as well as in developing monitoring and evaluation measures. These measures shall include explicit benchmarks, budget allocations and regular assessments and must be included in future bilateral partnership agreements. Outcome reports from independent mechanisms and evaluation bodies must set out recommendations, which the authorities of the Pact must act on within a specific timeframe.












3.3.


The EESC acknowledges the challenge of reliable data availability, particularly in partner countries and calls upon the Commission to support comprehensive data collection efforts across the region. Moreover, the EESC advocates for the creation of advanced analytical tools grounded in robust data to form the foundation of policies and projects within the Pact. Emphasising the transformative potential of technology, the EESC urges the Commission to consider the incorporation and development of AI tools and Big Data applications for enhanced data analysis and decision-making to achieve more precise, adaptive, and impactful policy solutions in the region.












3.4.


The EESC expresses its support for the consultative process undertaken, emphasising the importance of bottom-up (grassroots and innovative) approaches and of incorporating civil society from the EU and the partner countries as strategic partners of the Pact. However, the process lacks a clear approach, transparency and methodology. Civil society must be recognised as co-creators and implementers of the Pact, which will help establish the Pact’s approach as a partnership of equals between the EU and partner countries.












3.5.


CSOs and social partners must be involved in EU protection mechanisms as these groups drive rights-based reforms, including good governance and anti-corruption initiatives, they need to be empowered to monitor violations. The EESC calls for the establishment of a fund for at-risk organisations and individuals, offering legal, financial and relocation support.





Institutional framework









3.6.


Social and civil dialogue processes are a cornerstone of democratic participation. However, CSOs and social partner organisations face difficulties in taking part in decision-making processes. The EESC calls for the Pact to include targeted support for social and civil dialogue mechanisms and organisations, particularly in situations where structural barriers prevent meaningful participation. This support shall ensure democratic processes that go beyond elections and are practically grounded in civic freedoms, international human and labour rights, and inclusive access to information and opportunities.












3.7.



Social dialogue is key to shaping economic, labour and social policies, promoting resilience, competitiveness and inclusive growth. The EESC calls for the implementation of key ILO conventions (C98, C135, C87, C154); this will reinforce bipartite and tripartite dialogue and so ensure social and economic justice.












3.8.



Civil dialogue between CSOs and with governments is essential to the Pact, fostering trust, cooperation and sustainable development. It ensures diverse voices are heard, supports local empowerment and promotes peaceful, inclusive solutions.












3.9.


ESCs and similar bodies (e.g. Mediterranean Youth Council) in the Euromed region are stable platforms for policy dialogue and play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and sustainable policymaking. They have the potential to drive environmental, climate and social action at grassroots level and are key partners in initiatives that advance the SDGs and support the just transition to inclusive societies and economies. The EESC calls for a stronger and guaranteed role for them within the Pact and calls for support for the creation of ESCs and similar bodies in countries lacking such a structure.





Mobility









3.10.


The EESC emphasises the relevance of cultivating interregional civil society collaboration. This should extend beyond conventional North-South technical assistance to incorporate regional, South-South and triangular collaboration within the Pact. One possibility is to empower diaspora communities to lead or co-lead initiatives with their countries of origin and thereby act as ambassadors for greater integration and cooperation.












3.11.


The EESC recognises that Southern Mediterranean civil society, independent media and youth mobility across the Mediterranean are central to building mutual understanding, trust and cooperation and stresses that restrictive visa policies remain a major obstacle. The announced EU visa strategy should be used as an opportunity to consider a comprehensive legal framework supporting long-term collaboration, recurring visits and South–South–North exchanges, as well as enhancing young people’s mobility.












3.12.


Internal and regional conflicts are a reality in the region. Taking a case-by-case approach is essential when seeking to actively address the root causes of forced displacement through conflict resolution and by addressing socio-economic challenges. The EESC underlines the role of the Pact and the forthcoming EU Middle East Strategy in reshaping the EU’s approach to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Civil society must be actively involved in shaping these strategies and their role must be expanded given their position as first responders in these situations. Furthermore, the creation of a Mediterranean Coast Guard Capacity-Building Fund for joint patrols, search and rescue, and anti-trafficking operations, overseen by civil society, would help uphold human rights.












3.13.


Funding aimed at improving legal migration channels or tackling illegal migration must be based on strong requirements. The EESC calls upon the Commission to ensure that the Pact enforces accountability for these funds implements robust measures to prevent their mismanagement, particularly from first-entry and point-of-origin countries. Empowering local civil society, including trade unions, and equipping them with the necessary tools and access for monitoring and evaluating migration funds and policies is crucial.












3.14.


Displacement based on environmental causes alone is not grounds for asylum or international protection. Bearing in mind the historical contribution of EU Member States to the climate crisis, they must provide legal protection for people displaced due to environmental causes. The EESC recommends that such causes be included within the scope of the Temporary Protection Directive.












3.15.


The EESC stresses the need for a differentiated approach to labour migration and mobility separating these affairs from the perspective of security. It also calls for current and future frameworks to adopt a balanced approach which takes due account of the risks and benefits for both sides. This includes mitigating the risk of brain drain, implementing functioning reintegration systems as part of effective ‘brain circulation’ schemes, safeguarding equal rights for third-country migrant workers at all skill levels, ensuring fair and ethical recruitment procedures and providing strong protection for vulnerable groups.





Social cohesion and inclusion









3.16.


The EESC points out that there is currently no streamlined gender perspective in the discourse surrounding the Pact. The EESC emphasises the significance of including and endorsing the voices of non-traditional and marginalised people and groups, such as youth groups, feminist collectives, LGBTIQ+ networks, people with disabilities, migrants in vulnerable situations, and ethnic and religious minorities. These groups find themselves repressed and excluded from formal decision-making processes. Moreover, providing independent spaces would guarantee their protection and safety when they carry out monitoring and due diligence activities.












3.17.


The EESC calls for a focus on investing in social cohesion and inclusion, participatory governance and social innovation, particularly in fragile or underserved areas. By supporting social economy actors such as social enterprises and social cooperatives, local initiatives and communal public service providers, the Pact can help empower women, young people and marginalised communities while promoting decent employment.












3.18.


The role of young people in co-creating the Pact is key to ensuring inclusive participation and addressing the difficulties they face in participating. The EESC welcomes the efforts to include young people in consultation processes and calls for more tangible actions and objectives to avoid tokenism and elitist co-optation. In particular, young people from different socioeconomic levels and regional backgrounds should be involved, and the results of consultations and proposals should be monitored and evaluated by independent organisations to ensure accountability.












3.19.


This opinion was drawn up together with youth representatives. The EESC recommends involving young people in all stages of the policy-making process, from decision-making to the implementation and evaluation of policies. It is vital to implement robust monitoring, feedback and accountability mechanisms at all stages.




4.   Specific comments


Civil society involvement









4.1.


The EESC emphasises the need for all relevant social actors, social partners and CSOs from the EU and the partner countries to be involved in the Pact on a structured and permanent basis, moving beyond ad hoc consultations towards institutionalised participation at all levels of governance. This should include a permanent steering or advisory body, representation in working groups and project evaluation panels, and guaranteed representation at official events and established follow-up mechanisms. The EESC also calls on the Commission to consider upgrading the existing EESC Euromed Follow-up Committee to an inclusive body with members from the partner countries which will play a role in monitoring and evaluating the Pact.












4.2.


The EESC insists that civil society participation must be embedded into the formal political process. This applies particularly to the participation of young people and their integration into key political processes and discussions. Moreover, it underscores the need to conduct on-the-ground consultations on both sides prior to high-level political meetings, thereby preventing purely top-down approaches.












4.3.


The EESC emphasises that monitoring and evaluation must be participatory from the outset, ensuring that civil society actively shapes indicators, verifies data and interprets findings and is consulted on implementation. It highlights the need to establish these processes when the Pact is launched in order to guarantee meaningful engagement. The EESC calls for the creation of innovative feedback pathways, including independent evaluations and ‘shadow reports’ in order to provide complementary insights and ensure compliance with human and labour rights.





Business, investment and trade









4.4.


The EESC calls for targeted investment in infrastructure projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe corridor (IMEC), establishing a green hydrogen and derivatives pipeline linking North Africa, the Gulf and Europe, alongside ammonia-processing hubs in Oman or Egypt under joint EU-Gulf Cooperation Council governance, or joint desalination and renewable energy projects on the Eastern Mediterranean and North African coasts. Production of renewable energy, through solar, wind power or hydrogen, and the related energy networks could result in remarkable benefits for the region. Sustainable water management and the development of water supply infrastructure present excellent cooperation opportunities, with a significant beneficial impact factor for women and girls. Sustainable farming and tourism may well generate an ecosystem of further development in accommodation and food as well production and supply of crafts and traditional products. The EESC stresses that, as climate adaptation and food security are central to the Pact, rural access must be reinforced through dedicated resources and funding, fostering connectivity, among other priorities.












4.5.


Projects and targeted investments supporting the green and just transition, as well as long-term sustainable economic development with added value to local communities require a fair and inclusive interregional financial framework. Current cooperation among major development banks (EIB, EBRD, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank) and other donors (IMF, UN agencies, etc.) is marred by fragmentation and inadequate coordination, with an absence of a cohesive focus on integrating the interests of, and ensuring balanced representation of, partner countries. The establishment of a formal investment coordination mechanism, such as a regional investment bank or fund actively involving partner countries and civil society, would facilitate the mobilisation of resources for key infrastructure projects and promote inclusive and green growth.












4.6.


Entrepreneurship remains key for the sustainable development of the Mediterranean. MSMEs, which are the backbone of economic development across the region, need support to build capacity in the digital economy and rely on energy and infrastructure connectivity, on both the North-South and South-South corridors. Partnership projects such as EBSOMED and the EU Global Gateway are important tools in helping enterprises to develop and succeed in the region and beyond.












4.7.


The EESC calls for policies in the Pact aimed at growing and retaining leading local companies, especially during their critical expansion phases. To bolster youth-led ventures, the EESC proposes the design of a ‘Scale-Up’ Support Package that extends incubation beyond the seed stage, offering growth-phase grants, mentorship, and regional market-entry services. Furthermore, the EESC recommends launching a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Readiness Hub for MSMEs. In partnership with EU trade bodies, this initiative would offer technical training, coordination of grants and a clear rollout roadmap for CBAM, ensuring that MSMEs are well-prepared to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.












4.8.


The EESC notes that, despite the commitment to deepen trade relations with the partner countries and establish a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area, negotiations on a new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs) such as deep and comprehensive free trade agreements have still not been concluded. It strongly advocates that the Pact should reignite negotiations on a new generation of FTAs, incorporating sustainable development chapters, joint management of mobility exploiting the job opportunities coming from these FTAs and monitoring by organised civil society through domestic advisory groups (DAGs). At the very least, the EESC strongly urges the Commission to commit to an expansion of the current FTAs in the negotiations under the Pact in order to and include sustainable development chapters, as well as a monitoring mechanism similar to the DAGs. The inclusion of partner countries in the EU single market, as mentioned in the scoping paper, needs to be considered with caution.





Sustainable and regional development









4.9.


The EESC calls for civil society to be fully integrated into Team Europe Initiatives, where they can contribute to priority-setting, champion transparency, accountability and cross-sectoral collaboration and ensure that policies address human and social needs. Recognising successful models such as the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and the EU Youth Dialogue, the EESC stresses that these structured and well-funded engagement platforms can serve as valuable models.












4.10.


The EESC calls for enhanced support to strengthen trade between partner countries in addition to their trade relations with the EU in the Pact. This proactive support is pivotal for fostering stability and interconnectivity across the region, thereby promoting growth, prosperity, and attracting skills and investments. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that peace is the foundation upon which this stability rests. Therefore, the EESC advocates for comprehensive framework that encompasses peace, security, and stability. Such stability not only benefits the Mediterranean region but also underpins the EU’s strategic autonomy. For this vision to materialise, the EESC calls additionally to bilateral agreements to create robust multilateral platforms that ensure cooperation at eye-level for all countries involved.












4.11.


EU tools such as Erasmus+ and Interreg must introduce dedicated funding lines for civil society, with flexible eligibility, simplified applications and long-term financing options. Re-granting mechanisms, successfully implemented in the Western Balkans (Western Balkans Fund and Regional Civil Society Development Hub), should be leveraged to improve access to funding. Moreover, establishing technical assistance mechanisms and programmes can assist grassroots players with securing and managing EU funds.












4.12.


The EESC highlights the need for a clearly defined concept of green jobs and skills including non-technical skills especially social and emotional competences in order to formulate effective and impactful policies fostering green transition across the entire economies. This transformation is not confined to technical or economic changes; it encompasses political and cultural shifts, necessitating that environmental issues are addressed intersectional. To achieve this, there is an urgent need for a greener vision for society that promotes holistic transformation combining skills, energy and employment policies. The EESC advocates for supporting the notion that economic development and decent green jobs are also attainable in low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the EESC calls upon the Commission to allocate sufficient funds under the Pact to facilitate a mutually beneficial green transition across the Mediterranean.












4.13.


The EESC highlights the key role of local authorities, especially in underdeveloped areas. It also calls for permanent implementation hubs in partner countries, co-funded by the EU and co-managed with civil society, which will support participatory budgets, SDG strategies, innovation and monitoring. In order to promote territorial cohesion, the EESC calls for incentives for urban-rural collaboration on issues such as climate adaptation, food, energy and mobility, backed by targeted rural funding, drawing on models such as the EU’s LEADER/CLLD approach. The EESC advocates permanent implementation hubs gathering all relevant sectors in partner countries to develop participatory budgets and localised strategies, strengthen innovation and cooperation, provide capacity-building, and support thematic projects across areas. At the same time, the EESC emphasises the need to tailor participation mechanisms to the distinct realities of local urban and rural civil society: this includes regional forums, rural civil society incubators and simplified grants for grassroots actors.












4.14.


The EESC welcomes the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza presented on 4 March 2025 and calls on the Commission to align EU funding with it and advocate for Palestinian civil society to be included as full partners in designing, implementing provisions and independent ‘shadow reporting’ on any obstruction of aid.












4.15.


The role of culture in the Mediterranean region is central and may provide the basis for strategic cooperation. This includes the preservation of cultural heritage, climate crisis mitigation, post-conflict reconstruction, job creation and innovation in creative industries bringing about economic growth and social cohesion, investments in skills and creative business, and strong regional cooperation among museum, universities and festivals. The EESC highlights that the Pact should build upon the Naples Process for cultural collaboration in Europe and develop joint strategies to protect and enhance culture as a common good for the region and an important tool for EU external relations. Moreover, it supports the launch of a corresponding EU-Mediterranean Cultural Fund.





Education, training and employment









4.16.


The EESC emphasises the crucial role of capacity building and civic education to be integrated into formal education systems. It also calls for comprehensive programmes that equip both civil society and local authorities with accountability tools, building on successful initiatives like the Civil Society Facility for the Mediterranean to ensure long-term impact. The EESC highlights the need for modular, multilingual training that is accessible and targets marginalised communities, combining online learning, field mentoring and peer exchanges.












4.17.


The Mediterranean region faces disproportionally high unemployment rates, especially among women and young people. The high proportion of undeclared work weakens working conditions and social protection. It is imperative that the Pact include cross-cutting measures for the empowerment of women facilitating their inclusion in the job market and preventing discrimination, harassment and mistreatment of any kind while unleashing their potential through upskilling and training. The measures should also encourage women to take up leading positions in politics, business and the civil sector so that they act as role models.












4.18.


The EESC calls for cooperation on education under the Pact to extend beyond higher education. It stresses the need for targeted support for youth-focused capacity building and vocational education which reinforce digital skills and literacy, along with training for young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), women and people with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.












4.19.


The EESC supports investments in digital literacy which take into account the varying needs of different age groups. It also highlights the continued need for implementing recommendations on effective digital transition mechanisms; this includes training initiatives on digital skills, courses in line with the European Training Foundation guidelines on digital literacy in the face of disinformation, and digital infrastructure and cooperation projects run by bodies such as the UfM.












4.20.


Non-formal education plays a crucial role in the Mediterranean region, particularly for youth development, skill-building, social inclusion and lifelong learning, and so continuous support fort educational activities outside traditional schooling should be provided.












4.21.


The EESC stresses the importance of reinforcing current structures in the field of higher education, such as the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) and the two Euro-Mediterranean universities (in Morocco and Slovenia) and suggests that cooperation should be expanded. The EESC advocates supporting the expansion of UNIMED to all Euro-Mediterranean countries and creating financial tools to assist in this enlargement and support the rotation capacities of students and researchers. Introducing Mediterranean Youth Ambassadors would enhance systematic exchanges between school- and university-level CSOs.






Brussels, 18 September 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





(1)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Enhancing legal and organised labour migration to the EU (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/4204, 20.8.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4204/oj).

(2)  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) (OJ C, C/2026/19, 16.1.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/19/oj)

(3)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Youth involvement in social and civil dialogue in the Mediterranean region (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/1189, 21.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1189/oj).

(4)  
            Mission letter from Ursula von der Leyen to the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, speech by Commissioner Dubravka Šuica at the Forum on the Future of the Mediterranean, Ms Šuica’s keynote speech for the EPP Group Study Days panel and the scoping paper Towards the New Pact for the Mediterranean.


(5)  Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood — A new Agenda for the Mediterranean’ (JOIN(2021) 2 final) (OJ C 374, 16.9.2021, p. 79).

(6)  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) (OJ C, C/2026/19, 16.1.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/19/oj); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Enhancing legal and organised labour migration to the EU (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/4204, 20.8.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/4204/oj); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Water Politics: Empowering Youth, Women, and Indigenous and Local Communities (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/769, 11.2.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/769/oj); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Youth involvement in social and civil dialogue in the Mediterranean region (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2025/1189, 21.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1189/oj); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on energy policies and strategies in the Euro-Mediterranean region (own-initiative opinion) (OJ C, C/2024/877, 6.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/877/oj); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Digital transition in the Euro-Mediterranean region’ (own-initiative opinion) (
OJ C 100, 16.3.2023, p. 68); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Cultural diplomacy as a vector of EU external relations – new partnerships and role of CSOs’ (own-initiative opinion) (
OJ C 75, 28.2.2023, p. 122); Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘COVID-19: The role of civil society in the reconstruction and resilience of the Euro-Mediterranean region’ (own-initiative opinion) (
OJ C 140, 21.4.2023, p. 14); EESC information report on ‘sustainable development in the Mediterranean region’.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/28/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)