Slovenia, in its first term as president of the MED9 group, brought together energy and environment ministers from across nine Mediterranean EU nations for a crucial ministerial summit in Portorož from June 1–2. Under Slovenian Minister of the Environment, Climate, and Energy Bojan Kumer’s leadership, the conference aimed at promoting common objectives in energy connectivity, climate resilience, and the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Minister Kumer began the meetings by stressing the importance of the Mediterranean for Europe’s green transition; he cited better infrastructure, clean technologies, and closer cooperation as critical components for climate and energy success throughout the region.
Cross-Border Green Energy Networks: Pushing
First-day conversations focused on changing the Mediterranean into a center for clean energy exchange. Ministers asked for investments in interconnections, simplified infrastructure licensing, and energy storage systems’ support. Although the EU offers financial means for such projects, participants said that cross-border renewable initiatives are still few. Greater expert exchange and the abolition of administrative roadblocks to make these projects viable were demanded.
Leaders of environment and energy discussed at a joint working lunch how sustainable transformation could boost regional competitiveness. The ministers pointed out that more resilient energy systems dependent on cleanliness are key to sustained development.
Meeting Climate Vulnerability Together
The last session discussed the Mediterranean’s clement vulnerability. Regarded as among Europe’s most climate-sensitive areas, ministers debated bolstering adaptation plans. This involved implementing early warning systems, coordinating national climate plans, and using nature-based remedies. Particularly to guarantee the Mediterranean voice is heard in broader EU climate plans, the need to collaborate with regional institutions such as the Union for the Mediterranean was stressed.
Joint Statements for Common Commitments
The two-day summit ended with the approval of two joint declarations. One confirmed the will to grow transnational renewable projects and energy cooperation. Building on groundwork set by Cyprus’s earlier presidency, the other established a shared direction for collaborative action across the MED9 area, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation.
Particularly on climate, migration, and energy, the MED9—which includes Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain—plays an ever more strategic role in determining EU goals. Representing almost half of the EU’s population, the group raises Mediterranean issues in Brussels and elsewhere using its forum.
By better Mediterranean impact on EU energy and climate plans, Slovenia’s leadership set the tone for more integrated, resilient, and forward-looking regional cooperation.
