For three decades, Barcelona has been a significant meeting point for a region that has sought to unite the diverse cultures, economies and political landscapes present along the Mediterranean arc. The recent event held in the city reaffirms its vital role as a bridge in the Euro-Mediterranean territory. The Mediterranean Cities Conference, held at Barcelona City Hall, brought together leaders and representatives from across the region in an effort to continue weaving strong relationships between Europe and the countries on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean.
A celebration of the Barcelona Process
This event marks the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, an initiative launched in 1995 that laid the foundations for fostering political, economic and social collaboration between the European Union and Mediterranean countries. Organized by the Barcelona City Council with the support of MedCities and the European Institute of the Mediterranean, the event also had the cooperation of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, the Barcelona Provincial Council and Catalunya Internacional.
The conference was significant not only for the debate it generated, but also for the crucial role of cities as a driver of change in the region. A remarkable institutional declaration was delivered to the representatives of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) States, highlighting this importance. Cities, often ignored at large-scale dialogue tables, took the initiative to make their voices heard regarding their priorities and challenges.
An enriching program
The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, opened the doors of the historic Saló de Cent in the City Hall to welcome the participants of the event, while the new European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, was in charge of inaugurating the discussion days on Thursday morning. The farewell of the meeting fell into the hands of Maria Eugenia Gay, Deputy Mayor responsible for International Relations.
The theme of these days was “Strengthening local action for regional transformation”. The objective was clear: to create a space for inclusive dialogue to address the major challenges of the future in the Mediterranean area. It is no secret that sectors of civil society, academia and socio-economic actors have much to say on the issues affecting the region. And in this forum, all these voices found their place.
Looking to the future
The conference also served as an opportunity to assess the impact of three decades of work under the umbrella of the Barcelona Process. Over the years, and with the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean in 2008, the basis for cooperation has broadened and the institutional visibility of these efforts has increased.
During the sessions, ways to revitalize the role of local authorities in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and dialogue were discussed. The presentation of an institutional declaration became a key milestone, highlighting six priorities and strategies to urge local governments, the European Union and other institutions to take serious action.
The document highlights the importance of cities and metropolitan areas in building resilience, sustainable and equitable urban growth, and taking action in response to the climate emergency. Cities are no longer just economic actors, but play a vital role in ensuring a livable, inclusive and planet-conscious future.
From historical perspectives to new horizons
Reflecting on the history of the Barcelona Process means remembering personalities such as Pasqual Maragall, mayor of Barcelona at the time, who saw the city as a crucial space for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and dialogue. The city, with its Olympic legacy fresh in the memory, projected itself as a modern, open city ready to take an active role in the Mediterranean agenda.
In retrospect, these events in Barcelona have not only served to nurture a shared vision of coexistence and progress in the region, but to reinforce a web of relationships that continue to have significant repercussions today. Barcelona, with its charm and dynamism, remains the place where promising futures for the Mediterranean are intertwined.
