European Commission to Focus on Mediterranean with New Commissioner Role

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on July 18 that she will establish a dedicated portfolio for the Mediterranean region in her upcoming term. This initiative aims to enhance the EU's engagement with the Mediterranean, reflecting von der Leyen's belief that the futures of both shores are interconnected. She plans to appoint a Commissioner specifically for the region and collaborate with the EU’s chief diplomat-designate, Kaja Kallas, to develop a new Agenda for the Mediterranean. In her address to EU lawmakers, von der Leyen emphasized the need to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. She committed to increasing humanitarian aid, which currently amounts to approximately €200 million, and proposed a substantial multi-year support package for the Palestinian Authority. Von der Leyen underscored the moral and strategic responsibilities of the EU in inviting countries into the Union, highlighting the importance of fostering stability in the region. The proposed portfolio split has garnered positive feedback from EU diplomats, who believe it could streamline the management of EU accession talks and migration agreements with neighboring countries. A separate Mediterranean portfolio is expected to elevate the EU's relations with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), which includes representatives from both the EU and North African and Middle Eastern states. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential tensions between the new Mediterranean role and the responsibilities of the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Additionally, the integration of migration issues within this new portfolio remains uncertain, particularly in relation to existing agreements with Northern African countries, which have been facilitated by the European Commission’s DG NEAR.