Amid rising global tensions, the Summit of Southern European Union countries, also known as MED9, was hosted by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on October 11 in Paphos, a city in western Cyprus. The summit gathered Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. The nine countries used the summit to coordinate their actions and priorities, focusing on developments in the Mediterranean region and the resulting political, economic, and social pressures as the EU enters a new institutional cycle. In addition, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the King of Jordan, Abdullah II were in attendance.
During the summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni organised a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen discussing the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and other countries in the region. Presidents von der Leyen and Christodoulides reiterated that migration is a main priority of Mediterranean countries and a challenge that requires a “European” approach and solution. Christodoulides called for effective implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum while addressing the root causes of illegal immigration through a partnership with the transit and origin countries’ migrants. Ms. Von der Leyen said that “the Mediterranean will receive particular attention in her second mandate as head of the Commission.”
As the situation in the Middle East and Lebanon grows into a greater concern, President Christodoulides reaffirmed the common goal of the Member States is a solution leading to a viable and long-lasting peace in the region. Christodoulides called for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the release of all hostages and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian assistance” while safeguarding the sovereignty of Israel and Lebanon. In this light, Christodoulides, working with King Abdullah II of Jordan, identified new ways for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, in addition to the Cyprus maritime corridor “Amalthea” which remains a reliable option. President von der Leyen also met King Abdullah II in a bilateral meeting, after which she described Jordan “as a friend of the EU, a strategic partner, and a critical player in the context.”
This year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Turkish military intervention in Cyprus, resulting in the ongoing de facto division of the island. President Christodoulides spoke on the need to reunite the Republic of Cyprus on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions and according to EU principles and values. President Von der Leyen expressed the EU’s intention to remain fully supportive of Cyprus’ efforts to resume peace talks to resolve this issue so long as they take place within the UN framework.
In conclusion, the MED9 Leaders’ Summit underscored the pressing challenges facing the Mediterranean region, reaffirming their commitments to cooperation and coordination with the EU framework, particularly in addressing these shared concerns. The summit highlighted migration challenges, the importance of EU-Jordan relations, especially relating to humanitarian assistance to the region, and Cyprus’ continued trouble grappling with the Turkish occupation. The MED9 summit served as a platform for dialogue and action to promote stability and security in the Mediterranean.
