UfM policy developments, initiatives and projects

The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a multilateral partnership aiming at increasing regional integration and cohesion among Euro-Mediterranean countries. The UfM is inspired by the shared political will to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, democracy, cooperation and prosperity. The creation of a joint secretariat is a keystone in this partnership, contributing to reinforcing co-ownership of new Mediterranean relations. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a multilateral partnership aiming at increasing regional integration and cohesion among Euro-Mediterranean countries. The UfM is inspired by the shared political will to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, democracy, cooperation and prosperity. The creation of a joint secretariat is a keystone in this partnership, contributing to reinforcing co-ownership of new Mediterranean relations.

UfM in short | Facts & Figures 43 Countries 27 EU Member States 16 Southern & Eastern Mediterranean countries Total Population > 800 Million Total GDP > 15 Trillion EUR 3

UfM in short | Added Value Support of 43 countries Through the UfM label, the project promoter gains the support of 43 countries, this awareness and visibility helps him to further raise support and mobilise partners. 4 Facilitate access to finance The UfM Secretariat acts as a one stop shop through which project promoters gain access to a strong network of donors and financial institutions, from the Mediterranean region and beyond. Make a project idea become a reality The Secretariat’s network of Euro-Mediterranean partners as well as its in-house & external expertise help a project idea become a reality on the ground. Broker solution for complex regional projects The UfM Secretariat’s mandate allows it to overcome difficulties in regional initiatives and mobilise governments and stakeholders towards a project’s success.

UfM in short | Governance The Co-Presidency The UfM is chaired by two Co-Presidents, one from the North: the European Institutions, and a rotating one from the South : currently Jordan. The Senior Officials The Senior Officials of the 43 countries are mandated to deal with all aspects of the UfM. The Secretariat Based in Barcelona, it is led by a Secretary General, assisted by six Deputy Secretary Generals for six priority areas. It is financed by the European Commission and contributions by member countries. 5

UfM Projects | Priority Areas DELIVER REGIONAL PROJECTS IN 6 PRIORITY AREAS Water & Environment Transport & Urban Development Social & Civil Affairs Energy Higher Education & Research Business Development 6

UfM Secretariat Possible levels of interventions:  Ministerial meetings  Multi-stakeholders’ platforms of dialogue  Strategies and Initiatives  Projects

UfM Projects | Labelled Projects Energy Environment Desalination Facility for the Gaza Strip Governance & Financing for the Mediterranean Water Sector Med ReSCP: Sustainable Consumption and Production patterns Towards a Mediterranean Water Knowledge Platform BlueGreen Med-CS; Networking Civil Society in the Med region through environment and water issues Integrated Programme for the protection of Lake Bizerte against pollution EUR 310 m EUR 2.5 m EUR 8.9 m EUR 9.5 EUR 3 m EUR 90 m Tafila Wind Farm 117 MW EUR 209

UfM Policy Developments 1st UfM Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Climate Change Athens, 13 th of May

UfM Ministerial Declaration on ENV and CC Three main axis: the De-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea (H2020 Initiative, wastewater, municipal waste; industrial pollution) Sustainable Consumption and Production Climate Change and ecosystems protection, integrated maritime policy, integrated coastal zone management, education for sustainable development

Horizon Depollution of the Mediterranean Sea Flagship initiative of the Union for the Mediterranean Top sources of Mediterranean pollution: responsible for up to 80% of pollution in the Mediterranean Sea municipal waste urban waste water industrial emissions municipal waste urban waste water industrial emissions

SCP | UfM Ministerial Declaration on ENV and CC Ministers acknowledge that shifting towards SCP patterns is essential (…); and that this transition to a green and low-emissions economy will provide real opportunities for preserving natural resources, job creation, improvement of the quality of life and ensure a sustainable future; Ministers welcome the adoption of the Ten Year Framework of Programmes on SCP by the Heads of State at Rio+20; Ministers take note of the SCP Decision under the Barcelona Convention on the development of a Regional SCP Action Plan and Roadmap; will endeavour to initiate policy reforms to (..)shift to SCP;

SCP | UfM Ministerial Declaration on ENV and CC express their support ….to the required innovations, and technology transfer in the area of sustainable products and services and new sustainable business models, as well as tools such as eco-design. …. In this context, Ministers welcome the various platforms for the development and dissemination of best practices (…); undertake to develop activities to ensure the full coverage of the region; welcome the initiation of the EU funded SWITCH-Med programme and the UfM labelled Mediterranean ReScp.

Med ReSCP| Overview Fiche technique The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP-CPRAC) To provide access to financing for companies adopting SCP/RE models, in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia (Component 1) SCP/RE enabling and demonstration activities for green industries, businesses and local stakeholders in the Western Balkans and Turkey (Component 2) Industries, national banks, small businesses 4 years ( implementation starting by EBRD in 2014) EUR 8.9 M Promoters Objective Beneficiaries Duration Budget Labelled in April 2014

CC| UfM Ministerial Declaration on ENV and CC Set up a UfM Climate Change Expert Group (reinforced regional cooperation on CC in the Med region) First meeting in October 2014

UfM Ministerial Declaration on ENV and CC As regards environmental and climate change governance and stakeholder involvement Ministers endeavour to take appropriate measures to …..promoting and reinforcing the cooperation between ministries, agencies, local and regional authorities, and the private and public sector; Ministers stress the significant role that civil society, including recognised and registered NGOs, academic, financial and research institutions, local and regional authorities, the private sector, and other stakeholders can play in achieving environmental and climate-related objectives. Ministers recognise that steps are necessary to enhance the opportunities and capacity for them to participate in decision-making processes.

17 Thank you for your attention Alessandra Sensi Environment and Water Division Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean