'The Union for the Mediterranean is a platform for North-South cooperation that can contribute to ensuring regional security and stability. In the face of challenges such as regional conflicts, extremism, unemployment, and illegal migration, we should strengthen this cooperation,' said Deputy Minister Niemczycki. He added that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine adversely impacts the stability of the entire region. 'Therefore, Poland supports the New Pact for the Mediterranean, an important element of which is security,' noted the deputy head of Polish diplomacy.

The New Pact for the Mediterranean, adopted at the Forum, is intended to align the EU policies towards this region to the current geopolitical situation based on three main pillars: people, economy, and security. The document is in line with Poland’s activity aimed at ensuring our stronger engagement in the Mediterranean. Poland supports the priority goals of the Pact and puts special emphasis on broadly understood security including fighting illegal immigration through cooperation with the migrants’ countries of origin.

Because Israel and Palestine also attended the meeting, one of its key items included the situation in the Middle East. Many participants underlined the need for a two-state solution to the conflict and the establishment of Palestine’s capital in East Jerusalem.

This year’s Forum had a particularly solemn character due to the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, which was renamed to the Union for the Mediterranean in 2008.

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The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) brings together 27 EU member states and 16 countries from North Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. It is the only international organisation where Israel and Palestine sit at the same table. The UfM’s aim is to enhance cooperation in the Mediterranean.