Several European Union (EU) nations are advocating for the establishment of a strategic agreement regarding the Mediterranean, aimed at easing trade barriers with selected North African and Middle Eastern countries. This initiative aims to align these nations with EU single market regulations, as outlined in a European Commission document shared with Euronews. The proposal summarizes inputs from EU member states, partner nations, and stakeholders in anticipation of a forthcoming Pact for the Mediterranean, which is expected to be unveiled in mid-October 2023.
The push to diversify trade away from dependencies on Russia and China has been a focal point for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen since her second term commenced. The anticipated pact is designed to facilitate a mix of existing and new bilateral agreements between the EU and key Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, Egypt, and Israel, among others. The document also emphasizes the importance of consulting neighboring states, particularly Gulf nations and Türkiye, acknowledging their significant presence in the Mediterranean region.
Through this initiative, the European Commission aims to enhance integration within the Mediterranean as commercial instabilities with traditional allies, notably the United States, arise. Many EU member states are advocating for the modernization of existing trade agreements to eliminate barriers and align with Single Market rules, focusing on sectors such as digital technology, energy, environment, and labor standards. This effort is reminiscent of the 1995 Barcelona Declaration, which sought to establish a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area (EMFTA), a goal that has yet to materialize.
Currently, the EU has a preferential trade agreement with Mediterranean countries, defined by the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rule of Origin (PEM Convention). This multilateral trade agreement is designed to harmonize rules of origin among EU countries, EFTA members, the Western Balkans, and several Mediterranean partners. However, the new document indicates that EU member states are pressing for deeper trade connections, highlighting calls for inclusive trade, reduced tariffs, and accessible market entry through instruments like the Global Gateway and the PEM Convention.
According to the document, there is a mutual interest among partners in trade-related areas, with a call for regulatory alignment and support for local producers. The emphasis is placed on regulatory harmonization to attract investment, fostering joint value chains in sectors including digital technology, transport, and clean energy. Proposed measures include cross-border agro-industrial value chains, customs modernization, and green label export schemes, as well as adjustments to the PEM rules of origin and simplified trade procedures, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and green industries.
The aspirations also extend to aligning with EU digital governance and customs systems, focusing on simplifying border procedures for partner countries. Recommendations include the adoption of General Data Protection Regulation-inspired laws, e-government tools, and peer exchanges to facilitate convergence. Moreover, several partner countries prioritize the alignment of clean energy and environmental standards, reflecting a collective effort to enhance trade relations while fostering sustainable development in the Mediterranean region.
