Zagreb, 16 October 2025 (Hina/MIA) -- The European Commission presented Thursday the Pact for the Mediterranean, a strategy aimed at enhancing relations between the European Union and its southern neighbors.

Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, who spearheaded the drafting of the document, said: "The Pact is a clear testimony of a renewed focus and commitment of the EU to the Mediterranean region. This Pact is about people: the region's greatest strength lies in its youth, its creativity, and its talent. The Pact is also about shared prosperity. It will bring new investment opportunities and jobs."

The Pact aims to strengthen cooperation and economic ties across both shores of the Mediterranean, contributing to a connected, prosperous, resilient and secure region.

It is structured around three pillars: supporting people through higher education, vocational training, skills development, job creation, and youth and civil society empowerment; boosting the economy by modernizing trade and investment relations, promoting renewable energy and clean technologies, and improving agriculture and transport connectivity; and enhancing security, preparedness and migration management.

The Pact is expected to receive political backing from EU member states and southern neighbors in November during the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process. An Action Plan defining participating countries and more than 100 specific initiatives will follow in the first quarter of next year.