Cyprus takes over MED9 presidency, hosting key meetings in 2024

Cyprus’ presidency of the MED9, a group of nine Mediterranean EU member states, was the focus of a press conference held at the presidential palace on Thursday.

The presidency will run throughout 2024, with Cyprus set to host key meetings, including the Leaders’ Summit in Paphos on October 11.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos led the press conference, where he outlined the primary goals of the MED9, which includes Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Spain and Portugal.

Kombos highlighted the central issues to be discussed during Cyprus’ presidency, which include, among others, regional cooperation and environmental sustainability. He also presented the schedule of meetings that Cyprus will chair.

Later in the event, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou and Deputy Minister of European Affairs Marilena Raouna discussed the various ministerial sessions that Cyprus has hosted or plans to host.

In response to a question about the creation of an energy hub, Papanastasiou said that during the last MED9 meeting, the Mediterranean’s potential as a source of green energy was particularly stressed.

He added that the topic will be explored further at an upcoming MED9 session in Larnaca on September 23, where Cyprus’ role in contributing to the energy hub will be discussed.

In his opening speech, Kombos said “the group [of MED9 countries] aims to strengthen the voice and cooperation of Mediterranean countries on issues affecting the European agenda,” he said.

“The presidency offers us the opportunity to promote critical issues for Cyprus and the Mediterranean, particularly in the areas of green energy, water scarcity, and renewable resources.

“Cyprus’ MED9 leadership is a significant opportunity to deepen ties and shape policy in the Mediterranean and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region,” he concluded.

Echoing Kombos, Michaelidou highlighted Cyprus’ leadership role in sustainable development education, underlining the significance of the MED9 ministerial meeting on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which was held on June 27 and 28, bringing together 70 representatives from nine Mediterranean EU countries.

The meeting focused on integrating ESD practices into national education systems and turning 50 per cent of schools into sustainable schools by 2026.

“The first-ever MED9 meeting on ESD shows the importance of education in addressing environmental, social, and geopolitical challenges,” Michaelidou said, adding that key areas in need of attention are climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and water scarcity, as well as the need to incorporate green and digital skills into vocational training.

Michaelidou stressed the urgency of coordinated action across all levels of governance to address Mediterranean challenges through education and underlined the collective capacity of Mediterranean countries “to tackle pressing environmental and socioeconomic issues through education”.

On his part, Papanastasiou stressed the importance of transforming the Mediterranean into an energy hub, connecting EU countries with third nations.

“This initiative would help achieve energy goals, ensure security, and promote peace and stability in the region,” he said. “Additionally, it could create jobs, enhance expertise, and boost economic growth.”

Furthermore, Kassianidou said that, as part of the MED9 Summit, the deputy ministry of culture will host a virtual meeting of group’s culture ministers to discuss the role of culture during crises, whether economic, environmental, or due to conflict.

Highlighting the need to protect cultural rights amidst modern challenges, Kassianidou said the deputy ministry has drafted a declaration on cultural rights.

“I hope it will be adopted after discussions,” she said. “These rights, according to the declaration, safeguard people’s ability to express their values, beliefs, and heritage, and ensure free access to cultural heritage.”

Kassianidou added that the declaration aims to promote cultural rights and regional cooperation, supporting artistic freedom and preserving Mediterranean heritage.

“It will tie cultural policies to broader issues like migration, the environment, and gender equality,” she said.

Furthermore, the deputy ministry is also organising a conference on September 16, titled ‘Cultural Rights in Times of Crisis – Modern Challenges and Prospects’, featuring key speakers from the European Commission and the UN. The event is open to the public and will be streamed online.