Minister Fajon: Cooperation between MED9 countries is crucial for the well-being of the people and stability of the Mediterranean
Minister Tanja Fajon hosts informal meeting of MED9 foreign ministers | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
The ministers discussed the latest developments in the wider Middle East region, where the situation in various flashpoints is becoming increasingly tense. "Our debate is taking place at a time of heightened conflict around the world. When the EU is divided, we need to look even harder for common ground and to act as one. MED9 is a good example of joint action. We are strongest when we stand together. Our common voice can have a greater impact within the EU and thus have a better chance of success," Minister Fajon said, adding that this is all the more important in an increasingly unpredictable global environment. "We are witnessing long-lasting conflicts, devastating wars, civilian suffering and escalation rather than de-escalation. Peace, development, solidarity, protection of human rights and dignity must remain our key objectives. We need more multilateralism, more respect for international law, more immediate ceasefires, more diplomacy and more dialogue. We must not forget the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank," Fajon added.
Much of the discussion focused on strengthening the role of MED9 and partnerships in the Mediterranean region. In its role as MED9 Chair, Slovenia prepared and coordinated a non-paper as a joint MED9 contribution to the European Commission's New Pact for the Mediterranean. The MED9 countries underline the importance of an integrated regional approach and the need for cooperation, inclusive partnerships and complementary action on both sides of the Mediterranean. "In the non-paper, the MED9 Group, as a bridge between the North and the South of the region, advocates common objectives, principles and the strengthening of cooperation in three priority areas: environmental sustainability, resilience and stability of the region and development of human resources, with a focus on youth. The Mediterranean is vital for our prosperity and security. We should therefore convene another ministerial meeting with the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood as soon as possible," the Minister said.
Speaking with the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, the MED9 ministers stressed the need for joint action and strong political support for the emerging Pact to meet the expectations of the people in the wider Mediterranean region. Minister Fajon will present the non-paper at the EU Foreign Affairs Council tomorrow, 23 June 2025.
The working dinner was one of the six ministerial meetings organised by Slovenia during its MED9 presidency, which focuses on the following priority areas: current foreign policy issues and EU enlargement, strengthening resilience, the economy and competitiveness, as well as youth empowerment and capacity building in the region. The priority areas will form part of a joint MED9 declaration, expected to be adopted at the MED9 Summit in Slovenia in October 2025.
The meeting was also attended by European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Nasser Kamel and Secretary General of the European External Action Service Belén Martinez Carbonell.
