- Published: 09.10.2025.
State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends meeting of EU MED9 European affairs ministers, state secretaries
The EU MED9 brings together nine Mediterranean, southern member states of the European Union - Cyprus, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain. The objective of this informal platform, which encompasses one-third of EU member states and over half of the EU’s population, is to coordinate and promote current issues of shared interest at the European level, including strengthening the Mediterranean dimension of the European Union.
The main topics discussed at the meeting were the strengthening of European competitiveness and the proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, presented by the European Commission on 16 July. Ministers and state secretaries agreed that enhancing Europe’s competitiveness is one of the key strategic priorities in the coming period. Negotiations on the future MFF are expected to be particularly demanding, as it will be necessary to establish an appropriate balance between investment in so-called traditional policies, such as Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, and new priorities including competitiveness, migration, security and defence, and the green and digital transitions.
Metelko-Zgombić expressed strong support for efforts to enhance Europe’s global competitiveness through the strengthening and establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships with third countries, as well as through a range of internal EU measures. Croatia supports the creation of a European Competitiveness Fund, proposed within the MFF 2028-2034 package, as a key instrument for boosting European competitiveness. She emphasised that the future Fund should be structured in a way that allows all Member States to benefit, including those with less experience in utilising such instruments that are centrally managed by the European Commission. For this reason, the state secretary called for respect not only for the principle of excellence but also for the principle of geographical balance, ensuring more equitable participation of stakeholders from all member states in projects financed through the Fund.
She underlined the importance of continued investment in energy and transport connectivity, including the integration of Mediterranean ports within the core TEN-T networks, such as the Port of Rijeka, and its links to Central Europe. She strongly advocated that the future MFF should secure an adequate level of funding for Cohesion Policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, and fisheries, at least at their current levels. A robust Cohesion Policy must remain a driver of balanced EU growth, while the Common Agricultural Policy is of crucial importance for Europe’s food security.
Metelko-Zgombić also highlighted the specific nature of migration-related funds, which must be duly taken into account in the new MFF. Croatia intends to use future resources primarily for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the protection and management of the external borders of the Republic of Croatia and the EU, and the fight against illegal migration and human smuggling.
She further addressed efforts to strengthen the EU’s global role, emphasising the importance of the forthcoming Mediterranean Pact, to be presented under the responsibility of European Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, as well as the enlargement process based on the individual merits of candidate countries. In conclusion, she welcomed President Trump’s plan for achieving peace in the Middle East, aimed at ensuring the release of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the creation of conditions for a two-state solution.
On the margins of the meeting, an informal exchange was held with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, Mediterranean EU candidate countries, to encourage them on their European path and to promote their participation in Mediterranean-relevant initiatives, from environmental protection to combating illegal migration.
Croatia will hold the Presidency of the EU MED9 in 2026.