The 15th Plenary of ARLEM, the Euro-Mediterranean Local and Regional Assembly of the Committee of the Regions, was organised on 6th and 7th November in the historic venue of the Palazzo dei Normanni, headquarters of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, Italy.
ALDA had the chance to be represented at this important event by a member of its Governing board, Ana De Alos De Llanza, Head of Section for Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and Humanitarian Aid (in representation of Octavi De La Varga Mas, Councillor for International Strategic Projects at the Provincial Deputation of Barcelona), as well as Giulia Sostero, Coordinator of the ASWAT – Africa, SouthWest Asia and Turkey Department.
This occasion was particularly important since, following the publication of the new EU Pact for the Mediterranean, the report “Territorial perspectives for the new Euro-Mediterranean strategic Agenda” was presented to the Assembly as well as the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. The report, drawn up by Arianna Censi, deputy mayor of the city of Milan (Italy) and Rama El Ezzi, advisor to the mayor the Great Amman Municipality (Jordan), underlines the key role of Local Authorities in the Euro-Mediterranean dimension and in facing the challenges this region is subjected to.
As ALDA, we were glad to contribute to the report through the consultation effort done by the rapporteurs in June 2025. Through a written contribution and the participation in the dedicated consultation meeting, we could stress the importance among other points of establishing a solid platform for cooperation in the Mediterranean, as well as strengthening the collaboration between Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisations, with the restoration of dedicated funding lines. We also promoted a human-rights-based approach to migration, to be achieved through a shared governance with local and regional authorities, and a stronger support to community-led initiatives. Many positive examples of how local initiatives can be successful were shared drawing from our current and past projects and initiatives.
What will be the next step?
The ARLEM members committed to monitor the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean: as ALDA, we will be at their side to keep promoting our values and approach.
