Editorial: La Vanguardia

• The Barcelona Process, born 30 years ago, sought the geopolitical transformation of the Mediterranean by promoting cooperation and dialogue.
• This process led to the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), which includes EU countries plus 16 from the south and east of the Mediterranean.
• The process and the UfM have had a mixed balance, with a blockage of the peace process and failure of the Arab Springs.
• The recent summit aimed to reform and give a new roadmap to the UfM and launch the Pact for the Mediterranean.
• The reform of the UfM seeks a new strategic vision focused on connections, innovation, security, and migration.
• The Pact for the Mediterranean seeks to strengthen ties and regain lost influence in this area, with budgetary support for various initiatives.
• The crisis in Gaza remains present, with no clear mandate for mediation by the UfM.

Conclusion: Despite the undesired outcomes of the Barcelona Process, there is still a need for integration, multilateralism, and bond strengthening. The challenges are large and work must continue to make the Mediterranean an integrative and resilient space.

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