Ministers of the nine Mediterranean EU member states on energy security and climate adaptation

Portorož – As part of Slovenia’s presidency of the MED9 group, energy, environment, and climate ministers from nine Mediterranean EU member states gathered in Portorož on Sunday and Monday. Slovenian Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Energy Bojan Kumer stated after the meeting that they confirmed the strengthening of cooperation in the field of energy, closer cross-border infrastructure connectivity, and the search for opportunities to develop cross-border renewable energy projects.

The ministers also adopted a statement on climate resilience in Portorož, calling for the strengthening of a common European approach to adapting to climate change and better responses to natural disasters as a consequence of extreme weather events. Kumer reminded that EU countries are vulnerable in this area and called for additional efforts in measures to adapt to climate change.

The purpose of the informal MED9 group, which includes Cyprus, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, is to collaborate on political, economic, and environmental issues related to the Mediterranean Sea. The group plays an important role in shaping common European policies, especially in areas where the region is particularly exposed; these include climate change, energy, migration, security, and sustainable development. (June 2)