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European Parliament to focus on youth empowerment as it takes over PA-UfM rotating presidency

The European Parliament took over the rotating presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) at the conclusion of the 10th Speakers' Summit and the 19th Plenary Session, in Cairo on 5 July.

A delegation of MEPs, led by Vice-President Pina Picierno, represented the European Parliament in Egypt and engaged in dialogue that aims to delivers concrete, shared solutions essential to building trust and resilience on both shores of the Mediterranean.

In setting out the Parliament presidency's ambitious roadmap, VP Pina Picierno said:

"Our objective is to build upon the valuable work carried out by previous Presidencies, that have helped strengthen the Assembly's visibility and have placed greater emphasis on engaging with younger generations, opening new avenues for dialogue across our region. The European Parliament intends to continue along this path.

"Empowering young people will be our presidency's overarching priority. Our motto, 'Generation Mediterranean', reflects our conviction that the future of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation depends, above all, on the opportunities we create today for young people.

"Youth should therefore not be regarded as a separate policy area, but as a horizontal priority that should inspire all dimensions of our work. Whether we discuss economic development, education, innovation, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, social inclusion or regional stability, young people must be part of both the conversation and the solutions.

"This approach is also fully consistent with the priorities promoted by President Metsola, who has placed youth engagement at the centre of the European Parliament's work. It also builds upon the cooperation we have developed with the European Commission in the context of the Pact for the Mediterranean, where the European Parliament has consistently advocated for stronger commitments on youth policies, mobility, education, skills development and employment opportunities."

In addition, a joint declaration approved in Cairo provides a clear vision going forward for the PA-UfM on issues such as peace and stability in the Middle East, human-centred and ethical AI, youth policies and women's empowerment, and institutional co-operation.

Background

MEPs participated in the 10th Speakers' Summit and the 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) that took place in Cairo on 4 and 5 July.

The European Parliament assumed the annual rotating presidency of the PA-UfM,

European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno addressed participants at both meetings, outlining the priorities of the incoming presidency and highlighting Parliament's commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation across the Mediterranean region.

During the plenary session, MEPs and parliamentarians from PA-UfM member countries exchanged views on key issues including parliamentary diplomacy, peace and stability in the Middle East, artificial intelligence, youth engagement and women's empowerment.

The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together the European Union Member States and 16 partner countries from the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. It promotes dialogue, regional cooperation and joint initiatives to address shared challenges and foster stability, prosperity and integration across the region.

List of MEPs

Pina Picierno (Renew, IT) - EP VP/head of EP delegation

Csaba Bogdán (EPP, HU)

Dario Nardella (S&D, IT)

Maria Noichl (S&D, DE)

Nikos Papandreou (S&D, GR)

Thierry Mariani (PfE, FR)

Pascale Piera (PfE, FR)

Nicolas Bay (ECR, FR)

Giuseppe Antoci (Left, IT)

Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI, RO)