The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, chaired the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed) held in Barcelona on Monday 1 June, where he argued that the Mediterranean must occupy a central place on the European agenda.
Minister Albares emphasised that “the Mediterranean is a central pillar of Spain’s foreign policy and, as such, we are convinced that it must also occupy a central place in Europe’s foreign policy. It is fundamental to its stability and prosperity. Hence our commitment to relaunching Euro-Mediterranean policy in 2025, as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process”.
The Minister also highlighted the role played by the IEMed in contributing to the new Pact for the Mediterranean, by promoting consultation with academics and civil society on both sides of the Mediterranean. This commitment translates into concrete support. In 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation increased its contribution to the IEMed budget by €600,000, through the AECID, thereby contributing, amongst other things, to the annual publication of the IEMed Yearbook and the journal Afkar, and to the design and development of the new regional cooperation strategy for the Arab world, Masar Al’an.
The Minister expressed his gratitude for the IEMed’s work in generating knowledge and building Mediterranean networks, which is essential for strengthening Euro-Arab and Islamic dialogue – a driving force for peace, dialogue and diplomatic negotiations based on international law and international humanitarian law.
In this context, Albares called for peace in the region through dialogue with our regional partners and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and emphasised the importance of respecting the ceasefire until negotiations culminate in a solution that brings the conflict to an end. He also reiterated the need to guarantee security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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