ASCAME, together with leading business organisations from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, launched the Barcelona Declaration for Mediterranean Economic Development in November. The Declaration sets out 30 initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation, drive innovation, and promote sustainable prosperity across the region. Its release coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a landmark initiative that reshaped Euro Mediterranean relations by bringing together countries from both shores to advance political dialogue, economic integration, and cultural exchange. The launch also aligned with the renewal of ASCAME’s governing bodies, marked by the election of Mr. Josep Santacreu as the new President.
This milestone further reflects the European Commission’s 2024–2029 agenda, which places the Mediterranean at the centre of its strategic priorities. A key component of this vision is the appointment of the EU’s first-ever Commissioner dedicated exclusively to the Mediterranean. Ms. Dubravka Šuica will oversee the implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean, strengthening partnerships across the Southern Neighbourhood with a focus on employment, clean energy, investment, and regional stability.
Empowering the Mediterranean private sector
The declaration was read by ASCAME President, Mr. Josep Santacreu, ASCAME Vice President and Honorary President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, and the General Secretary at the Union of Arab Chambers, Mr. Khaled Hanafy. The common thread running through their speeches was the conviction that “the private sector must evolve from a passive observer to a proactive leader, driving inclusive growth, generating employment, and advancing regional integration”. They stressed that “businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and entrepreneurial networks must join forces to build a dynamic ecosystem that connects markets, empowers communities, and fosters innovation”.
Mr. Santacreu noted that “the Barcelona Declaration reflects our collective commitment to shaping the next decade of Mediterranean cooperation through strategic pillars that directly address the region’s most urgent challenges and untapped opportunities.” He outlined several key pillars, including regional economic integration; youth and women’s entrepreneurship; the green and blue economy; the digital economy and innovation ecosystems; private‑sector investment and a renewed Mediterranean branding; food security, AgriTech, and water resilience; as well as culture, tourism, and the creative industries. He also stressed the importance of aligning these priorities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The private sector must evolve from a passive observer to a proactive leader, driving inclusive growth, generating employment, and advancing regional integration
In this context, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil shared the following reflection: “Today, thirty years after the launch of the Barcelona Process, the Mediterranean stands once again at a pivotal crossroads. While the region faces significant challenges, from political tensions and climate risks to economic instability, it also holds extraordinary potential for transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth”. He added that “thirty years later, leading business organisations from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world meet again with a common goal: to reaffirm the central role of the private sector in shaping a resilient, prosperous, and united Mediterranean economy”.
Finally, Mr. Khaled Hanafy, insisted on the idea that “the future of the Mediterranean will not be only shaped by its challenges, but by its capacity to unite around a common vision where economic resilience is built through collaboration, prosperity is shared across borders, and innovation becomes the language of progress”. He added: “Through regional cooperation, capacity building, and innovation we can coordinate multi-country public-private projects that transcend borders, facilitate investment and knowledge transfer, support SMEs and start-ups by expanding access to finance, markets, and mentorship, and represent the Mediterranean’s business voice on the global stage”.