MED9
Croatia’s MED9 Presidency
In 2026, the Republic of Croatia holds the Presidency of the informal group of nine southern European Union Member States known as MED9. In addition to Croatia, the group comprises Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Croatia joined the MED9 group in 2021. At the initiative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, the 11th MED9 Summit, held in Cyprus in October 2024, agreed that Croatia would assume the Presidency of the MED9 group in 2026.
At a time of unprecedented geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving global transformations, the MED9 Member States share the responsibility of contributing, through coordinated action, to an effective and robust European response to the growing instability and challenges facing the European Union, its neighbourhood and the wider international community. The Croatian Presidency provides an opportunity to advance discussions on issues shared by EU Member States in the Mediterranean basin that are of particular importance to Croatia. These include security, energy and migration challenges, rural depopulation, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, environmental protection and integrated water management, as well as a comprehensive approach to the EU's neighbourhood. Particular attention will be devoted to supporting the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, prepared under the leadership of European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.
Through its MED9 Presidency, Croatia seeks to further highlight its heritage as a country deeply rooted in both the Mediterranean and Central Europe, enabling it to approach the opportunities and challenges facing the European Union from multiple perspectives. Croatia will also use its Presidency to promote its coastline and islands, as well as Croatia's role as the Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe.
The Croatian Presidency will be guided by three overarching priorities under the motto: A Safer, More Sustainable and More Resilient Mediterranean
Three Presidency Priorities
- 1. A Safer Mediterranean
- 2. A Sustainable Mediterranean
- 3. A More Resilient Mediterranean
Pact for the Mediterranean
The Pact for the Mediterranean constitutes the central framework linking all three Presidency priorities: security, sustainability and resilience. Through the various formats of its Presidency, Croatia will actively contribute to the implementation of the Pact, coordinated by European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.
Calendar of Key Events
9 April 2026 - Meeting of the MED9 Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Split
Minister Grlić Radman attends informal meeting of MED9 foreign ministers
The Ministers discussed the security situation in the Middle East and its implications for the Mediterranean region. They adopted a Joint Declaration calling for the urgent de-escalation of tensions, a coordinated response to migration and energy challenges, and enhanced regional cooperation. They also welcomed the Pact for the Mediterranean and the work of the Union for the Mediterranean.
7 May 2026 - MED9++ Meeting (Hosted from Rome)
Croatia, Italy launch Rome Coalition for Fertilizer Access and Food Security
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Croatia and Italy jointly chaired a videoconference attended by representatives of the Gulf countries, the Western Balkans partners and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The meeting focused on the security of fertiliser and food supply chains in the context of instability in the Middle East. Participants adopted a Joint Declaration on strengthening coordination to safeguard food security and economic resilience.
18-19 May 2026 - Meeting of the MED9 Ministers of the Interior, Rovinj
MED9 in Rovinj: Ministers of the Interior of Mediterranean EU Member States discuss Mediterranean security
The Ministers discussed combating irregular migration and protecting the external borders of the European Union in the context of a safer Mediterranean. Particular attention was devoted to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit, improving the effectiveness of return procedures, and further operationalising the Pact for the Mediterranean. The Ministers also exchanged views on combating maritime drug trafficking and the response of the MED9 Member States to organised crime. Discussions further covered the security of ports and maritime routes, operational cooperation among police, customs and other competent authorities, and strengthening partnerships with third countries.
Joint Declaration
18-19 May 2026 - Meeting of the MED9 Ministers for the Environment, Šibenik
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Šibenik hosted the informal meeting of the Ministers for the Environment of the MED9 Member States and Heads of Delegation, chaired by the Croatian Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Marija Vučković.
Joint Statement
25-26 May 2026 - Meeting of the MED9 Ministers of Energy, Opatija
The Ministers discussed:
- accelerating the energy transition and enhancing competitiveness;
- technological neutrality and industrial decarbonisation; and
- energy security in the context of geopolitical tensions.
Joint Statement
25-26 May 2026 - Inter-Parliamentary Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committees, Split
The parliamentary dimension of the MED9 process focused on the security, sustainability and resilience of the Mediterranean, including the role of the Western Balkans.
4 June 2026 - Working Dinner of the MED9 Ministers of Justice, Luxembourg (on the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Council)
The Ministers discussed the digitalisation of justice systems and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the transparency of judicial decisions.
27 June 2026 - Working Lunch of the MED9 Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Dubrovnik (on the margins of the Dubrovnik Forum)
MED9 foreign ministers in Dubrovnik discuss Pact for the Mediterranean
Hosted by Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, the meeting focused on the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean within the framework of the Dubrovnik Forum. The Ministers discussed opportunities for coordinated engagement by the MED9 Member States with partners from the Southern Neighbourhood in implementing the Pact, with the aim of strengthening regional resilience and addressing current geopolitical and security challenges. Particular attention was devoted to the role of the Pact in deepening cooperation with the Western Balkans and the Gulf countries.
5-7 July 2026 - Joint Meeting of the MED9 Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers Responsible for Demography, Zadar
The informal meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers responsible for demographic affairs of the Mediterranean Member States of the European Union was held in Zadar. On behalf of the Republic of Croatia as host country, the meeting was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić and Minister of Demography and Immigration Ivan Šipić. The meeting brought together ministers and other representatives of the nine Mediterranean Member States, who, through keynote presentations and two panel discussions, examined the future of young farmers, with particular emphasis on innovation, knowledge exchange and national models for the revitalisation of rural areas.
Joint Statement
30 September - 1 October 2026 - Meeting of the MED9 Ministers/State Secretaries for European Affairs, Trogir
Preparatory meeting for the MED9 Summit, focusing on current agenda items of the General Affairs Council and the European Council.
7 October 2026 - MED9 Summit, Split
The central event of the Croatian Presidency will be the Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the MED9 Member States, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. The Summit is envisaged as the concluding high-level discussion on the priorities of the Croatian Presidency, the outcomes of the ministerial meetings held throughout the year, current European Union issues, and, in particular, the agenda of the October meeting of the European Council, which the Summit will immediately precede. The Heads of State or Government are expected to adopt a Joint Declaration reaffirming their commitment to addressing common challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, strengthening the resilience, security and sustainability of the Mediterranean and the European Union, and promoting coordinated action, including towards the EU's shared neighbourhood.
Media Information
Media information, press centres and technical specifications will be made available at the respective meeting venues and by the ministries responsible for organising each meeting.
For additional information, please contact:
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
glasnogovornik@mvep.hr