State Secretary Grašič: MED9 countries' unified voice carries greater weight in EU decision-making

The power of a unified voice

As a Mediterranean country, Slovenia particularly values its membership in the informal MED9 for several reasons. The group consists of influential EU member states that can significantly shape and guide European decisions by acting as one. Nine votes count for more than one and represent a third of the EU population. Decisions taken in Brussels affect the daily lives of citizens, from the common budget and climate change adaptation to civil protection cooperation, greater mobility for young people, agricultural development, not to mention the food on our tables. "Let us tap into our potential, find common ground and work out how and where MED9 can contribute further to a unified voice. When the EU is divided, it is important that we work in groups of like-minded countries. MED9 is a good example of this. We are at our most effective and powerful when we act in unity and solidarity," emphasised State Secretary Neva Grašič.

Gaza and Ukraine once again at the forefront of foreign policy issues

The State Secretaries paid particular attention to the situations in Gaza and Ukraine. State Secretary Grašič said that all our efforts must be directed towards ending wars and the suffering of civilians: "Day after day, the catastrophe in Gaza has been deepening. To maintain its credibility, the EU must demonstrate its political will and send a clear message that respect for international law is non-negotiable. Slovenia welcomes the signing of the first phase of Trump's peace plan and calls on both sides to honour the agreement. We strongly hope that this marks the beginning of the end of the unbearable suffering, leading to a two-state solution and putting an end to the carnage”.

Regarding Ukraine, she advocated continued strong support from the EU: “Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine. In order to bring an end to hostilities and start peace negotiations, it is vital to ramp up the pressure. Ukraine must decide its own future, and any agreement must include security guarantees to prevent further aggression. EU enlargement plays a key role in this".

The State Secretaries also discussed the importance of EU enlargement to the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans at a working lunch, where they were joined by representatives of Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They agreed that EU enlargement symbolises the reunification of Europe and also represents an investment in peace, stability and prosperity. "In light of the current challenges and opportunities in the wider Mediterranean region, it is of strategic importance to strengthen cooperation between the MED9 countries and the Western Balkan countries. As members of the Union for the Mediterranean, these countries play a key role in promoting stability, sustainable development and regional connectivity," Grašič added.

Slovenia is encouraging these countries to enhance their cooperation in areas such as higher education, including in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), the blue economy, marine environmental protection, energy connectivity, digital transformation, youth initiatives, climate change mitigation, migration flows and cross-border threats.

Competitiveness and the EU budget

During the debate on EU competitiveness, State Secretary Grašič highlighted that the EU is lagging behind the US and China in terms of productivity and economic growth. She advocated reducing red tape and increasing investment in innovation and infrastructure. She also proposed providing tailored support for key industries such as the automotive, steel and chemicals sectors. In terms of climate change mitigation, the heads of the MED9 delegations agreed to further strengthen their already excellent cooperation, particularly in civil protection.

"I am delighted that we were able to speak openly with Stéphanie Riso, Director-General of the European Commission’s Budget Department, about the EU's future multiannual financial framework, and how to reconcile the financing of new priorities, such as competitiveness and security, with the preservation of traditional policies, such as cohesion and agriculture," added Grašič.

Looking ahead

The meeting in Portorož also served as preparation for both the MED9 Summit, to be hosted by Slovenian Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob on 20 October, and the December meeting of the European Council. The MED9 group, which includes Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Cyprus and Croatia, remains an important platform for aligning the positions of the EU's Mediterranean countries closer together.