Today, the European Commission outlined to representatives from EU Member States and the Southern Mediterranean the first set of key initiatives, in the form of an Action Plan, to advance the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean. The Pact, as explained, was developed “through an extensive and inclusive consultation process with governments, civil society, youth, private sector, and researchers across the Mediterranean. This joint effort resulted in over 100 initiatives which will directly benefit citizens and businesses”. This first edition of the Action Plan launches the first 21 co-designed, concrete and innovative actions for implementation this year. The main initiatives under the Pact’s three pillars are: “First pillar: People. Driving Force for Change, Connections, and Innovations” (eight actions among which is the Mediterranean University Initiative); “Second pillar: Stronger, More Sustainable, and Integrated Economies” (such as the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative); “Third pillar: Security, Preparedness, and Migration Management”. Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, commented: “The Pact for the Mediterranean will mobilise billions in European investment with over 100 projects, including many related to security. We will do much more to tackle common challenges together from drug smuggling to trafficking and mitigating natural disasters. The Pact will help make the region stronger, more stable and more prosperous as a result”.