Strasbourg, 24 November 2025
Member of the European Parliament and member of the committee on foreign affairs (AFET) made a speech at the plenary debate on the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process and the Pact for the Mediterranean.
Zovko emphasized that 30 years after the launch of the Barcelona Process, the Mediterranean stands at the crossroads. She stressed that the profound changes reshaping the region demand a coordinated response and a firm commitment to security, stability, and prosperity.
Zovko underlined that the New Pact for the Mediterranean represents a key milestone in the relations between the EU and its Southern neighbours, in a context of rising security challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.
Zovko stressed that the Pact will enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas, such as trade, energy, connectivity, security and migration. She welcomed that the Pact is grounded in the principles of co-ownership and co-creation and that, with it, the EU aims to redefine its engagement with the region and work on consolidating partnerships amongst equals.
Moreover, Zovko highlighted that, in the area of education, the Pact will importantly support the development of skills and ensure better adequacy between education and skills needed in the labour market. She stressed that this aspect is all the more important that the lack of job opportunities for young people and the resulting brain drain is hindering economic development.
Zovko also welcomed the commitment in the Pact to enhance cooperation in security and defence, notably by exploring potential contributions by Southern Mediterranean partners to CSDP missions and operations. “In the current context of rising security challenges, enhanced cooperation is key, notably in the area of maritime security, security of submarine cables and sanctions circumvention”, she stated.
Furthermore, as rapporteur on ocean diplomacy in the European Parliament, Zovko insisted that she supports the commitment to deepen cooperation in the field of ocean diplomacy, notably through enhanced legal frameworks related to regional fisheries management. She underlined that the inclusion of Mediterranean partners in the area of ocean diplomacy is positive as it will pave the way for a level playing field and will prevent unfair competition for our fishermen.
As co-chair of the working group on intercultural and religious dialogue, Zovko also welcomed the commitment mentioned in the Pact to protect the cultural heritage, including the religious heritage.
“With the current geopolitical situation requiring stronger ties with like-minded partners, this pact gives us a unique opportunity to boost economic cooperation, improve stability and security, and, above all, establish the basis for lasting peace along the shores of the Mediterranean”, she stated.