On 6 July 2026, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica presented the Pact for the Mediterranean as a concrete, action-oriented partnership framework during a speech at the Dubrovnik Forum 2026. Šuica described the Pact as a genuine agreement with biannual action plans, co-owned with partner countries, and built on three pillars: people, economies, and security. She highlighted initiatives such as a Mediterranean University, the T-MED clean energy partnership aiming to mobilise at least €25 billion in investments by 2035, and the MEDUSA submarine cable project. The speech marks the first major public outline of the Pact since the creation of the dedicated Mediterranean portfolio under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Šuica framed the initiative as a strategic response to a multipolar world where Europe cannot afford passivity. She drew a parallel between the historical Republic of Dubrovnik, which navigated competing powers through partnerships, and the EU's current need to build operational alliances. The Commissioner stressed that the Pact is not a mere declaration but a delivery mechanism, with concrete actions on skills, energy infrastructure, border management, and climate preparedness. On migration, she called for moving 'away from slogans and towards delivery,' citing cooperation with partner countries on border management, fighting smugglers, and creating legal pathways. She noted that illegal migration rates have already significantly diminished as a result.
The speech contained several concrete proposals with measurable targets. Under the T-MED initiative, the EU has put forward over €5 billion in guarantees to de-risk investments, aiming to generate 15 GW of renewable power by 2035, with energy prices 30-40% cheaper for Europe. The MEDUSA submarine cable, described as a 7,100 km fibre-optic link, is intended to connect the two shores of the Mediterranean. Šuica also referenced existing programmes such as the European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus and the Euromed Police and Euromed Justice programmes, which involve CEPOL, Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex. The Pact's first pillar includes proposals for a Mediterranean University, vocational training partnerships, youth exchanges, and a Youth Parliamentary Assembly.
Šuica acknowledged potential criticism, noting that some will say Europe is giving too much while others will say it is doing too little. She countered that the Pact is an investment in Europe's own security, competitiveness, and resilience, not a payment to solve others' problems. She emphasised the role of the private sector, stating that delivery requires companies, investors, innovators, universities, ports, energy operators, and local communities. The Commissioner concluded by framing the Mediterranean as a strategic space where Europe must act as a confident, reliable partner—'not only as a payer, but as a true global player.'
The speech did not provide a timeline for the first action plan or specify which partner countries are already on board beyond those with existing bilateral agreements (Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan). It also did not detail the budget for the Pact beyond the T-MED guarantees. The policy orientation shifts the EU's approach towards a more operational, investment-driven partnership model, blending economic, energy, and security interests with a focus on co-ownership. For foreign policy, the speech adopts a conciliatory yet assertive tone, offering cooperation while clearly linking it to EU strategic interests.
For EU producers and energy companies, the T-MED initiative could open new investment opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure, but may also face competition from cheaper imports. EU consumers could benefit from lower energy prices (30-40% cheaper) and improved energy security, though the benefits depend on timely project delivery. Mediterranean partner countries stand to gain jobs, investment, and technology transfer, but may face conditions on migration and border management. EU taxpayers bear the risk of the €5 billion in guarantees, with potential returns if investments succeed. The Pact's emphasis on private sector involvement suggests a moderate shift towards public-private funding models, balancing public guarantees with private delivery.