During the 16th plenary session of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), members of the EPP-CoR endorsed the Action Plan for 2026–2030.
The central mission of the Action Plan is to localise the New Pact for the Mediterranean, ensuring it is co-owned by local and regional authorities across all three Mediterranean shores.
The plan is built around two key priorities:
1) Resilient Mediterranean Cities: ARLEM will champion an integrated approach linking water management, the blue economy, civil protection, and subnational climate diplomacy to strengthen regional resilience and sustainability.
2) Empowering People and Promoting Inclusive Socio-Economic Development: This priority addresses youth unemployment, skills development, and territorial talent. Flagship initiatives include the ARLEM Award for Young Local Entrepreneurship, which highlights youth-led enterprises supported by local and regional authorities.
On the proposal of Roberto Pella, Mayor of Valdengo, Vice-President of ANCI, and Member of the Italian Parliament, the Action Plan applauds and encourages initiatives that support young university students from Mediterranean countries affected by, or situated in, conflict situations to pursue their studies in European Union Member States.
On the proposal of Eleni Loucaidou, Municipal Councillor of Nicosia, ARLEM reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. It remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. ARLEM will continue to support ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two communities at the local level.