MED9 Energy Ministerial Meeting participants committed to transforming Mediterranean into energy hub

Nine Mediterranean member states of the European Union are moving forward in the effort to strengthen their energy cooperation and transform the Mediterranean region into a hub for the transfer of green energy, with a Joint Declaration during the 2nd MED9 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Larnaca.

Cyprus hosted the Meeting under the chairmanship of the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, George Papanastasiou.

The Meeting was attended by the Ministers of Energy and their representatives of France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In the Joint Declaration, presented during the Press Conference by Papanastasiou, the vision of transforming the Mediterranean region into an energy hub for the development of green energy was confirmed, the realisation of which requires coordinated efforts among the members of MED9. Doing so "will bring significant benefits to the region, including economic growth, job creation, further integration of EU member states into the internal market and increased energy security for the Union and the region," the Joint Declaration added.

In addition, these actions can help some of the MED9 members achieve their individual renewable energy targets set by the EU, as well as contribute to their re-industrialisation through competitive renewable energy prices.

In the Joint Declaration it was decided to also explore the creation of synergies between national licensing procedures for renewable energy projects. Doing so will facilitate the development of potential cross-border projects while minimizing the administrative burden for investors, the Statement notes.

At the same time, these actions will contribute to the protection and preservation of the unique characteristics of the region's ecosystems, species and natural heritage.

The Joint Declaration acknowledges the wealth of knowledge and insight generated through various analyses and studies related to the development of a Mediterranean Green Energy Hub, which will connect EU countries and third countries. "We commend the efforts of the European Commission, including DG NEAR, to promote this important area and we look forward to further exploring the existing reports and findings related to this initiative," said the Energy Minister.

With the signing of the Joint Declaration, declarations were made.

Papanastasiou informed, in particular, that the projects that are in progress for each member country were put on the table at the Meeting. As he said, these are pilot programs, while particular emphasis was placed on the challenges that arise for RES projects, especially when concerns a maritime area.

The Minister of Finance of Croatia, Ante Šušnjar noted that strengthening the cooperation of the EU members is important and that energy cooperation in particular is crucial for sustainable development. "Security can only be built through cooperation and the green energy transition is the key to energy security," he reiterated.

The Minister of the Environment of Slovenia, Bojan Kumer, expressed his country's commitment to continue its efforts in the Mediterranean region for which he said that the geostrategic position is ideal to become a green energy hub.

Joan Groizard, CEO of the Spanish Energy Agency (IDAE)., said that Mediterranean countries should be at the forefront of opportunities for green development. "We are more vulnerable as countries to climate change, he said, and that "the green transition can be the answer", to then express Madrid's will to continue the development of cross-border energy connections.

Greece focused on wind energy and its projects, on behalf of which its Ambassador to Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou, spoke at the Conference. Greece is among the pioneers in this field, he said, an important reason why "continuous and systematic effort" is taking place.

Miriam Dalli Malta's Minister of Energy placed greater emphasis on the determination of the members thanks to which, she explained, the goal of becoming a Mediterranean green hub will be achieved. "Energy is the issue where we can bring, together, innovation," she said to say that at the same time, peace and security in the region is ensured.

Maria João Pereira, Secretary of State for Energy of Portugal, spoke of an important step stating that it is not only a question of energy but also of climate action, resilience and economic development. Portugal has advanced renewables, she said, to comment that member countries discussed common challenges as well as the need to strengthen infrastructure to maximize potential and cooperation.

In her own statement, Federica Ferrari Bravo, Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus described the country as a "proud activist" of the green transition. "We are here to share good practices and contribute to the common goal", he said, to complete by talking about challenges but also opportunities through its implementation.

Julien Deruffe First Counselor, Embassy of France in Cyprus, spoke about the prospects in terms of cross-border connections and the need to improve procedures. Among them, the challenges in offshore renewable energy sources. Finally, he emphasized the need to study the steps for a green transition so that it can be implemented.

The Press Conference was preceded by discussions and an exchange of views between the Ministers on the creation of a hub in the Mediterranean for the transfer of green energy between European and third countries. The second part focused on finding synergies between the MED9 in the licensing of cross-border green projects, a key condition for fulfilling the countries' shared vision of creating an energy hub in the Mediterranean.

The full text of the Joint Declaration can be seen below:

We, the European Union (EU) Mediterranean countries of Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, gathered for the second MED9 Energy Ministerial Summit that was held in Larnaka, Cyprus, on the 23rd of September, reaffirm our commitment to support the advancement of a sustainable, secure, and resilient future for the Mediterranean region. This action is in line with the targets set by the European Union with respect to climate neutrality. Considering the unique renewable energy potential and climate challenges that characterise our region, we declare our intention to continue our collaboration towards setting the foundations for the supply of secure and affordable clean energy in the region. 

The Ministers acknowledge: 

• The importance of the creation of a collaborative framework and execution of joint actions towards the realisation of a resilient energy ecosystem in the region;
• The need for all MED9 countries to access affordable, clean, and sustainable energy;
• The fact that the implementation of the cross-border projects that are required for the envisioned green energy hub shall promote peace and stability in the region;
• The projected economic prosperity associated with the development of the green energy hub, which is expected to contribute towards the creation of job opportunities and the transfer of knowledge, thus strengthening our industrial competitiveness. 

The Ministers took note of the work that was performed during 2024, in accordance with the 2024 Work Programme, including: 

• The establishment of the MED9 Energy Steering Committee, which includes high-level representatives from all member countries. The Steering Committee serves as the official platform that plans for and supports energy related activities of the MED9 initiative and plays a pivotal role in the success of its outcomes.
• The efforts of the Energy Steering Committee to secure the support of the European Commission for the preparation of comprehensive studies that will examine the best way to fulfil the ambitious vision of transforming the Mediterranean region into a corridor for green energy trade between EU and non-EU countries.
• The attempts of the Energy Steering Committee to gain access to existing studies that examine the concept of exchange in the region and were commissioned by the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG-NEAR) of the European Commission. 

Based on the above, we have decided to take the following steps: 

• Reiterate our ambitious vision of transforming the Mediterranean region into a renewable energy hub and corridor for green energy development. The realisation of this concept, which requires coordinated efforts between MED9 members, will yield significant benefits for the region, including economic growth, creation of job opportunities, the further integration of EU member states in the Internal Market and increase in energy security for the Union and the region. In addition, these actions may assist some of the MED9 members to achieve their individual renewable targets set by the EU, as well as contribute to their reindustrialisation through competitive renewable energy prices.
• Examine the creation of synergies between our national permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. This will facilitate the deployment of potential cross-border projects, while minimising the administrative burden for investors. At the same time, these actions will contribute to the protection and preservation of the region’s unique ecosystems, species, and natural heritage.
• We acknowledge the wealth of knowledge and insights generated through various analyses and studies related to the development of a Mediterranean green energy hub, connecting EU and non-EU countries. We commend the efforts of the European Commission, including DG NEAR, in advancing this important field and look forward to further exploring existing reports and findings relevant to this initiative.
• To further progress towards this shared vision, we propose the development of a comprehensive and tailored assessment, focusing on the specific opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a Mediterranean green energy hub. We invite the European Commission to collaborate closely with us in undertaking this assessment, subject to resources availability.
• Following the assessment of the aforementioned report, we will evaluate conducting a new, updated, comprehensive study, tailored to the requirements of the region and its energy vision, potentially financed by member states on a voluntary basis. We therefore request the support and engagement of the European Commission to potentially carry out the new study, which is expected to build on the findings of the existing reports. This study will provide a robust foundation for informed decision-making and concrete action towards achieving our shared vision for a sustainable and secure energy future in the Mediterranean region.
• Invite the European Commission to ensure an effective communication and close association between the MED9 Energy initiative and the Commission.
• Agree on a recurring annual meeting for the Energy Steering Committee, which will be dedicated for planning the way forward regarding the activities of MED9. 

(Source: InBusinessNews)