Zagreb - Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, who took part in the summit of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean on Saturday in Cairo, held under Egypt’s presidency of that international forum, called for more substantive cooperation in the region.
The Mediterranean Sea is of vital importance to all the states belonging to the region. Throughout history, it has fostered interaction and strongly influenced identities, traditions and cultures. It can equally shape the direction of future cooperation among Mediterranean countries, the Sabor Speaker said in his address.
Jandroković, according to the statement, recalled that 30 years have passed since the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration, whose principles continue to guide the Union for the Mediterranean today.
At the heart of that initiative lies the idea of more harmonious and substantive cooperation among all Mediterranean countries.
The key elements for successful current and future cooperation are peace, stability and predictability, both in the Mediterranean and in the wider region, the Sabor Speaker added.
Egypt’s mediating role in efforts to achieve peace in the Gaza Strip
In that context, he praised Egypt’s mediating role in efforts to achieve peace in the Gaza Strip.
In resolving all ongoing armed conflicts around the world-- whether on European, African or Asian soil -- respect for international law is crucial, he emphasised.
In relation to defining the future priorities and implementation activities of the Union for the Mediterranean, Jandroković stressed the need to involve all interested stakeholders – governments, the business sector, civil society, young people, as well as parliamentarians from the participating states.
Whether it concerns potential projects in the fields of the blue economy or climate resilience, digital and transport connectivity or artificial intelligence, or initiatives related to energy, food or water, the approach must be the same. In other words, it must entail concerted efforts in implementing projects and initiatives, as well as shared responsibility.
This logic of cooperation is also reflected in the Pact for the Mediterranean, a political initiative of the European Union led by the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica.
Croatia to take over presidency of group of Mediterranean EU member states – MED9
Speaking about the strong Mediterranean component of Croatian identity, Jandroković recalled that on 1 January 2026 Croatia will assume the presidency of the group of Mediterranean EU member states - MED9.
He listed Croatia’s priorities within the group as ensuring the security, resilience and economic sustainability of the Mediterranean region.
Croatia will place particular emphasis on effective people-to-people cooperation, especially in the areas of education, science and culture. He also noted Croatia’s current presidency of the Three Seas Initiative, whose goals are largely complementary and very beneficial for Mediterranean cooperation.
Jandroković concluded his address by calling on the parliamentarians present to continue their efforts to ensure that the Mediterranean becomes as secure and prosperous as possible, and remains a strong bridge between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, for the benefit of all the people living in the region.