Its goal is to create mutual benefits – from producing clean energy, to unlocking private investment. It will help mobilise large-scale regional projects that create opportunities for people and businesses, with a particular focus on youth, women, and small businesses.

The EU will work on three areas of cooperation with its Southern Mediterranean partners:

 people as a driving force  

• promote higher education and vocational training by setting up a Mediterranean University and scaling up existing technical and vocational programmes
• develop skills and jobs, and roll out initiatives in mobility, culture, tourism and sport, with a strong focus on youth.
• stronger, sustainable and integrated economies
  • boost energy and clean technologies
  • integrate further supply chains, including in the health and agriculture sectors, and in critical raw materials
  • improve digital infrastructures that bring economies and citizens closer
  • help build a more sustainable blue economy of the Mediterranean basin.
• security, preparedness and migration management
  • launch initiatives on Mediterranean disaster preparedness and resilience
  • promote a comprehensive approach to migration management
  • establish a regional forum for the EU and the Southern Mediterranean countries on peace and security.

The Pact is open to engage with partners beyond the Southern Mediterranean, including the Gulf, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Political endorsement by all partners is expected in November 2025. Once approved, the Pact will be turned into reality through a dedicated Action Plan.