The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is a key priority in Spain's foreign policy and a priority area for the European Union (EU). Its stability and prosperity have a direct impact on Spain and the other Member States. More than a simple neighbourly relationship, Spain maintains with the Mediterranean countries a link based on interdependence and partnership.

Transformations and Challenges in the Mediterranean Region

In recent decades, the Mediterranean region has undergone significant changes, becoming a complex and diverse space. In a global context marked by crises and geopolitical tensions, challenges have emerged that need to be addressed. Among others, the region has experienced political transitions and armed conflicts, socio-economic inequalities and migratory crises, changes in the energy market or the advance of digital transformation. In this context, Spain is actively working to strengthen the Mediterranean partnership in its European and multilateral dimensions, promoting stability and development in the region.

• Spain and the European Neighbourhood Policy towards the Mediterranean: Spain has strongly supported the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in its southern dimension. In 202, Spain supported the adoption of the New Agenda for the Mediterranean and in 2024 led the debate on its strengthening. This momentum has led to three key milestones: The creation of the Commissioner for the Mediterranean; the preparation of a Pact for the Mediterranean, redefining the EU's relationship with the Southern Neighbourhood and the Gulf and the holding of EU-South Neighbourhood ministerial meetings to FURTHER strengthen bi-regional institutionalisation. The Southern Neighbourhood countries include Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria (suspended since 2011) and Tunisia.
• MED-9: Cooperation between EU Mediterranean States: Spain is a key player in the MED-9 group, which is made up of the nine EU member states with a Mediterranean projection. Since its creation in 2013, this forum has consolidated a common vision of the Mediterranean, ensuring its presence on the European agenda. In November 2023, Madrid hosted the first MED-9 Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting.​

Minister José Manuel Albares at the act of constitution of the High Board of Trustees of Casa Mediterráneo. MAUC

Multilateral Fora and Initiatives in the Mediterranean

• Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together 43 Mediterranean countries, including the 27 EU states and 16 Eastern and Southern Mediterranean countries. Created in 2008, the UfM promotes political dialogue, regional cooperation and projects with a direct impact on citizens. Spain has taken the lead in strengthening the UfM with a package of measures that will culminate in the Roadmap 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process. Since 2010, its headquarters have been located in the Catalan capital.
• Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF): Spain is also an active participant in the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), created in 2004 to promote dialogue between cultures. Based in Alexandria, the foundation works to strengthen Mediterranean civil society, reduce inequalities and promote intercultural understanding.
• 5+5 Dialogue and Mediterranean Cooperation: The 5+5 Dialogue, active since 1990, is a key forum for cooperation in the Western Mediterranean. It includes Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Malta on the European side and Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia on the Maghreb side. It has served as a platform to seek solutions to shared challenges, highlighting initiatives such as the Water Strategy for the Western Mediterranean (2015), promoted by Spain and Algeria.​
  

The Minister speaks at the 6th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) held in December 2021 in Barcelona. MAUC  

International Organisations and Security in the Mediterranean

• OSCE and Regional Security: Since 1994, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been working with its Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia) to strengthen security in the region, foster dialogue and cooperation, and share experiences and best practices. 
• NATO Mediterranean Dialogue: In 1994, Spain promoted the NATO Mediterranean Dialogue bringing together Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia with the aim of consolidating security in the region.
• OECD MENA Programme: Since 2004, the OECD MENA Programme has been working with Arab countries in areas such as good governance, gender equality, improving economic competitiveness and implementing structural reforms. This programme is key to regional integration and sustainable development. 

Spanish Institutions for Mediterranean Knowledge and Co-operation

• European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed): Founded in 1989, the IEMed is a consortium promoting reflection and cooperation in the Mediterranean. Its objectives include fostering dialogue between Mediterranean societies and cultures and promoting a space of peace, stability and shared prosperity. Spain is firmly committed to stability and development in the Mediterranean, leading key initiatives in the EU and at the multilateral level. Through its participation in international organisations, cooperation programmes and dialogue forums, Spain reinforces its role as a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean region, promoting peace, security and shared prosperity.