Organized by the Government of Catalonia, the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), and the European Commission’s Representation in Barcelona, MedCat Days 2025 celebrated three decades of Euro-Mediterranean dialogue while to lay the foundations for the New Pact for the Mediterranean, the European Commission’s flagship initiative to revitalize regional cooperation.
In her keynote address, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, responsible for the Mediterranean, emphasized that the new Pact will be grounded in people-centered development, economic partnerships, and migration and security cooperation. The initiative seeks tangible outcomes, including the creation of a Mediterranean University Network, support for youth empowerment, and cross-border investment in renewable energy and clean technologies.
Catalonia’s leadership was a recurring theme throughout the day. President Salvador Illa stressed that “the future of Gaza will mark the future of the Mediterranean,” calling for renewed European leadership in peace and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Minister Jaume Duch reaffirmed Catalonia’s commitment to being “on the frontlines of Mediterranean dialogue,” highlighting the region’s strategic and human dimensions.
Four roundtable discussions explored innovative investments, territorial cooperation, green solutions, and new governance models. Representatives from organizations like the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), WWF North Africa, and MedWaves presented cross-border projects under the Interreg Euro-MED program, demonstrating the potential of multilevel governance and community empowerment to drive sustainable change.
As Nasser Kamel, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, remarked, “Barcelona is a symbol of Mediterranean identity.” The day’s discussions underscored this legacy while setting a clear course forward: one rooted in shared values, actionable frameworks, and the conviction that “the Mediterranean we dream of is within reach.”