cS Brief #14: Recentering the human and cultural dimension in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership: the Pact for the Mediterranean, a not-to-be-missed opportunity

cS brief #14 builds on the first dialogue for the new Pact for the Mediterranean, organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation and the European Commission.

Thirty years after the Barcelona Declaration, cooperation with civil society and cultural actors in the Euro-Med region faces growing challenges. While the EU’s approach has evolved —with the creation of DG MENA and a renewed focus on reciprocity— these efforts unfold amid regional instability and shrinking civic space, making long-term engagement more difficult.

To keep civil society and youth at the heart of its agenda, the EU must address these constraints directly. Earlier initiatives —such as youth exchanges, intercultural dialogue, and artistic collaboration— offer strong models for renewed cooperation.

Upholding freedom of expression and artistic freedom, as reaffirmed in the draft Creative Europe programme, remains essential. So does tackling structural barriers like limited artist mobility and restricted access to EU programmes.

By supporting cultural and creative industries as drivers of sustainable economies and social inclusion, the EU demonstrates how cultural values and economic rationale can work together. It should remain confident in its role as a constructive, values-driven partner in the region.