The Mediterranean region, with its diverse cultures and shared challenges, has long been a focal point for collaboration among cities and metropolitan areas. In recent weeks, two significant events, the General Assembly of MedCities and the Mediterranean Cities Conference, served as powerful reminders of the importance of local authorities in fostering regional cooperation and driving sustainable change.
MedCities General Assembly: A Historic Gathering
The General Assembly of MedCities, a network of, now, 91 Mediterranean cities and metropolitan areas, stands as the most important internal meeting for the association. This year’s gathering in Barcelona, hosted by the Barcelona City Council, marked a significant milestone, with 45 members in attendance onsite, setting a record for participation. This high level of engagement underscores the growing commitment of Mediterranean cities to address the region’s pressing issues.
The meeting began with welcoming remarks from Josep Canals, the Secretary-General of MedCities, and Clare Hart, the Acting President of the cities’ association. They were joined by representatives from the Barcelona City Council, the Vice-president for International Relations and Digital Metropolis, Jordi Castellana, and officials from the Government of Catalonia. Following these addresses, the assembly proceeded to discuss and approve a series of crucial internal documents, including the 2024 accounts, 2025 Activity Report and current budget execution and 2026 budget estimated and Action Plan.
One of the most significant outcomes of the assembly was the approval of the Declaration and Call for Action for Mediterranean Cities. This document emphasises the role of local authorities in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful region. This Declaration, presented at the Ministerial Meeting on November 28, urges Mediterranean cities to become key players in addressing regional challenges such as climate change, political instability, and economic disparity.
The Assembly also approved the entry of new member cities into the network. The 12 new members could introduce themselves and help further strengthen the alliance of Mediterranean cities committed to collaboration. The full list of new members includes:
And a new observer member: European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed). With this new institution, MedCities already has 8 observer members.
The Mediterranean Cities Conference: Building on 30 Years of Cooperation
Following the General Assembly, an international conference was organised on the 26th afternoon, at the Barcelona City Council premises, and during the 27th morning, at the Union for the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean Cities Conference—Barcelona+30 offered an invaluable platform for discussing the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations. This event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process and the 10th UfM Regional Forum. The conference aimed to explore ways in which local authorities could contribute to a renewed vision for the Mediterranean region. The session was organised by MedCities, the Barcelona City Council and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), in collaboration with the Barcelona Provincial Council (Diputació de Barcelona), the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and Catalonia International.
On the 26th, the event was inaugurated by key figures including Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, Clare Hart, Acting President of MedCities and Cecilia Garcia Gasalla, Director of Cooperation with Africa, the Arab World and Asia, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation.
From MedCities side, we could count on some members who participated in the round tables titled “Cities as players for peace in the Mediterranean”. Maher Canawati, Mayor of Bethlehem, Maria Eugènia Gay, Second Deputy Mayor in charge of International Relations, Barcelona City Councillor and Jasmin Ademovic, Councillor and Chairperson of the Commission for International Cooperation, Sarajevo, participated, giving their examples of how they manage the daily life challenges and crisis and how they are responsible for the first answers given to citizens. Also, HRH Princess Rym Ali, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, addressed some inspirational words, remarking on the importance of thinking and interpreting the Mediterranean as one beating heart.
We also have the opportunity to hear other MedCities members talking about “Cities as frontliners of climate change and sustainable development in the Mediterranean”. In the panel, the 150 assistants could hear the words from Clare Hart, Acting President of MedCities and Vice-President for International Relations of Montpellier Métropole Méditerranée, Jordi Castellana, Vice-President of International Relations and Digital Metropolis of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and Secretary of MedCities, Vahap Seçer, Deputy President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye and Mayor of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and Lubna Farhat, Elected council member of Ramallah Municipality.
On the second day, the Conference session took place at the Union for the Mediterranean premises, which opened its doors to different parallel events that took place simultaneously. For MedCities, it was time to celebrate the second day of the Conference and hear the welcoming remarks about the 30 years of the Barcelona Process. “Local diplomacy in the spotlight: lessons learnt and future perspectives”. Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Jaume Duch, Minister of European Union and Foreign Affairs at the Government of Catalonia and Joško Klisović, Member of the Assembly of Zagreb and Chair of the ARLEM Commission, presented the importance of the diplomatic activities and policy actions that cities’ representatives need to take to be heard at a regional, national and international level.
By her side, Dubravka Šuica, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of local authorities in translating regional policies into tangible, on-the-ground solutions.
In the session “First responders – The frontline position of local authorities in regional challenges”, with the speakers Hussein Hamayel, Governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley , Mustapha Hijazi, Mayor of Saida, Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Muğla and President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union and Si Mohamed Kaabour, Councilor of Genova, discussions focused on the critical role of cities in addressing the pressing issues facing the Mediterranean.
Topics addressed included climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and local diplomacy for peace. As frontline responders to climate challenges, cities are essential in driving innovative solutions, including the use of nature-based solutions, green mobility, and circular economy models. Moreover, cities were acknowledged for their pivotal role in fostering peace and stability, especially in regions affected by political and social tensions.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was a renewed commitment to multilevel governance, where local authorities are empowered to take a more prominent role in shaping regional strategies. This approach ensures that local voices are better integrated into the decision-making processes of international and national frameworks, such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the Pact for the Mediterranean.
The event was concluded by Josep Canals Molina, Secretary General of MedCities, Amb. Senén Florensa, Executive President of the European Institute of the Mediterranean, and Maria Eugènia Gay, Second Deputy Mayor in charge of International Relations at the Barcelona City Council that coincided to do a call for a more inclusive and resilient Mediterranean region, where cities act not only as hubs of innovation but also as bridges of cooperation and peace.
It is also worth mentioning that on the sidelines of the UfM Regional Forum, a high-level launch event was organised to officially present the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean, bringing together EU Member States and the EU Southern Neighbourhood.
Conclusion
Both the MedCities General Assembly and the Mediterranean Cities Conference underscored the pivotal role of cities in the Mediterranean region’s future. As local authorities work to tackle shared challenges, from climate change to social inequality, continued collaboration and dialogue will be key to achieving the region’s collective aspirations. The two events highlighted the importance of building strong, coordinated networks of cities that are equipped to lead sustainable development and foster peace across the Mediterranean.
Watch the summary video of the MedCities General Assembly held in Barcelona:
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