The 11th Summit of the MED-9 Group was successfully concluded on the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus (Pafos), on October 11. Founded in 2013 in Brussels, MED-9 is an initiative of Cyprus and Spain and features an alliance of nine Mediterranean and Southern European Union member states: Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
The Summit concluded with the adoption of the “Paphos Declaration,” where it was stressed that the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 provides new impetus. Furthermore, all participants declared their readiness to engage in formulating the new Pact for the Mediterranean.
MED-9 partners expressed concern over the situation in the neighboring Middle East, stating that “we remain committed to a lasting and sustainable peace, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, on the basis of the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. […] We welcome the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in the pursuit of lasting peace and protection of civilians in the region.
With regard to the war in Ukraine, the Paphos Declaration stresses that MED-9 partners reaffirm their “unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders. We reaffirm, once again, our steadfast commitment to providing continued multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes”.
Lastly, the Paphos Declaration sent a clear message regarding the Cyprus issue as well. The Declaration reads “As this year marks the tragic 50th commemoration of invasion and occupation, we reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and its acquis”.
Read more: Declaration of the 11th Summit of the Southern EU Countries (MED9) Pafos, Cyprus