High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi in Barcelona for the UfM Regional Forum and the EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting

On November 24, the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, will travel to Barcelona to take part in the 7^th Regional Forum of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM) and the 4^th European Union-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting.

In the current context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its global impact on food and energy security, affecting also the Mediterranean region, the events offer an important occasion for the EU to intensify regional cooperation in the Mediterranean, promote integration and interconnections opportunities for all involved partners, in the region and the EU.  

The Forum, hosted by José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, will be attended by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the 42 UfM Member States, while the EU - Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting will bring together the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries involved.

HR/VP Borrell will give his opening remarks at 9:00 am and co-chair the press conference at 12:30 pm, where Commissioner Várhelyi will also take part. In the afternoon, from 14:00 until 17:30, the HR/VP and the Commissioner will both open the European Union-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting that will focus on the socio-economic situation and prospect for future engagement by the EU and the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood. In the margins of the meetings, Commissioner Várhelyi will sign a €40 milllion grant contribution to boost digital connectivity between the EU and the Southern neighbours with the European Investment Bank (EIB).