Delivering shared prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for a renewed genuine partnership between the European Union and southern Mediterranean countries—one that places people, sustainability, and shared responsibility at its core. 

The opinion The Role of the Private Sector and Civil Society in Strengthening Economic Cooperation within the Pact for the Mediterranean, adopted at the EESC April plenary, outlines how organised civil society and the private sector can strengthen economic cooperation under the EU’s Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to foster sustainable economic and social development between the EU and southern Mediterranean countries.

The proposed Pact for the Mediterranean represents a strategic opportunity to reshape relations between the European Union and its southern neighbours. At the heart of the EESC’s recommendations lies a clear message: economic cooperation must deliver for people, not just markets. Ongoing wars and instability are causing severe human suffering and damaging economies, hindering the Pact’s progress. The EESC calls on the EU to support a just peace under the UN and uphold international law. The EESC urges an immediate end to conflicts and calls for respect for human rights, stressing the EU’s key role in promoting dialogue and peace.

EESC member Thomas Wagnsonner, rapporteur for the opinion, stressed: "The Pact for the Mediterranean will be successful only if peace and stability are guaranteed. This is a chance for a positive future, to improve the lives of the people in the region. Strengthening civil society involvement and supporting the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, social entrepreneurs and cooperatives are crucial for the process. Innovation and social fairness need to go hand in hand".

The structured and permanent involvement of organised civil society is central to this vision. Trade unions, employers’ organisations and civil society organisations should not be limited to occasional consultations but formally integrated into governance, implementation and monitoring processes. 

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), social entrepreneurs and cooperatives in particular are identified as a key driver of growth and employment in the region. However, structural barriers—such as limited access to finance, complex administrative procedures and weak regulatory environments—continue to hinder their potential. The EESC calls for targeted reforms, including digitalisation, improved connectivity and regulatory simplification, to enable MSMEs, social entrepreneurs and cooperatives to integrate into regional value chains and attract investment. In this context, it may also be worth exploring additional regional financial mechanisms, such as the establishment of a regional development bank, with the aim of mobilising further financial resources.

Trade and investment policies must also evolve. Existing agreements between the EU and several southern Mediterranean countries are considered outdated and in need of modernisation. Updated frameworks should incorporate strong sustainability commitments, with civil society playing a monitoring role through dedicated control mechanisms.

A significant challenge in the region is informal employment, particularly among young people and women. The opinion highlights that education, vocational training and lifelong learning are critical tools for improving employability and productivity. At the same time, environmental protection and sustainable practices must be integrated into economic development, ensuring that growth respects natural resources and contributes to long-term resilience in the region.

EESC member and co-rapporteur Lidija Pavić-Rogošić underlined the importance of empowering young people and women by increasing their participation in governance structures and entrepreneurship programmes. "Social and solidarity economy actors, including cooperatives, are powerful engines of inclusive development. Often led by youth and women, these organisations contribute to job creation, social cohesion, and local resilience. The EESC calls for dedicated funding, supportive legal frameworks to strengthen their role across the region" said Ms Pavić-Rogošić.