Key Takeaways
- Commissioner Roswall opened the 2nd UfM Ministerial Meeting on Water in Rome, reaffirming EU support for Mediterranean water cooperation
- The EU links water security to its Green Deal, Biodiversity Strategy and neighbourhood policy, seeking cross‑border projects
- A joint action plan is slated for the UfM spring 2027 meeting, with new funding calls anticipated
Commissioner Roswall opened the 2nd Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial Meeting on Water on 28 September 2026 in Rome, addressing ministers including Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani, Jordan’s water minister Sufian Abu Soud, and UfM Secretary‑General El‑Mahdi Hajali. In his remarks, the Commissioner underscored the strategic importance of water security for the Mediterranean basin and reiterated the EU’s readiness to deepen technical and financial cooperation through existing UfM frameworks. The meeting fits into a broader EU agenda that links climate resilience, the EU‑Neighbourhood Policy and the single market’s demand for sustainable resources. Water scarcity and quality affect cross‑border agriculture, tourism and energy sectors, prompting the European Commission to integrate water management into the Green Deal, the Biodiversity Strategy and the Mediterranean Action Plan. By coordinating with UfM, the EU seeks to harmonise standards, promote data sharing and catalyse investment across its southern neighbours, reinforcing regional stability and economic integration. Roswall’s statements signal a continuation of EU‑backed programmes that will benefit municipalities, irrigation schemes and coastal communities. The Commission plans to finalise a joint action plan before the UfM’s next ministerial session scheduled for spring 2027, where concrete project calls and financing modalities are expected to be presented. Stakeholders are advised to monitor upcoming EU calls for proposals and to engage with national UfM focal points to shape the implementation timetable.
Source: European Commission. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the next Union for the Mediterranean water meeting take place?
The next UfM Ministerial Meeting on Water is scheduled for spring 2027, where the EU‑backed joint action plan is expected to be finalised.
How can businesses and NGOs access EU support for water projects in the Mediterranean?
Interested parties should monitor the European Commission’s calls for proposals under the UfM framework and liaise with national UfM focal points, which will provide details on eligibility and application deadlines.