The Fifth Edition of the WestMED Initiative Annual Conference Concludes on a Positive Note
The fifth edition of the WestMED Initiative Annual Conference came to a close on November 28, 2025, in Tunis, marking a significant milestone with a strong commitment from the 10 Western Mediterranean countries towards a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue economy.
A Strengthened Mediterranean Cooperation
Organized for the first time in Tunisia under the Tunisian-Portuguese co-presidency and with the support of the European Commission, the conference brought together over 210 participants from the southern and northern shores of the Mediterranean. These participants represented stakeholders in the WestMED Initiative, including government representatives from member states, regional organizations, specialized agencies, maritime industries, academics, researchers, startup promoters, and associations operating in the maritime sector.
The conference evaluated the progress made in implementing the WestMED Initiative and identified new priorities for the upcoming period. Discussions focused on several essential themes:
- Maritime skills training and promotion
- Energy transition and decarbonization of maritime transport
- Maritime spatial planning and coastal resilience
- Development of maritime clusters and blue innovation
- Preservation of marine ecosystems
- Financing mechanisms for the blue economy
- Synergies between the WestMED Initiative and the new Mediterranean Pact
A Tunisian Recognition
One of the highlights of the conference was the award ceremony for the "WestMED Project Awards 2025," where the Tunisian startup "Bluepsol" was recognized for its innovation in applying solar energy to port infrastructure. This distinction illustrates the dynamism of Tunisian entrepreneurship and confirms the country's role as an emerging actor in maritime energy transition in the Mediterranean.
Tunisia to Preside Over the New Technical Group on Blue Skills
Following the debates, participants decided to create a new regional technical group dedicated to "Blue Skills," aiming to strengthen expertise and cooperation in maritime training, certification, and employment. The group, composed of international experts, is set to begin its work in February 2026. Tunisia was entrusted with the presidency of this technical group in recognition of its constant commitment to developing human capital in the maritime and coastal sector.
Ambitious Perspectives for the Western Mediterranean
Participants emphasized the need to intensify regional partnerships, encourage green investments, and promote scientific and technological cooperation in maritime fields. The Tunis Conference also confirmed the relevance of the WestMED assistance mechanism as a coordination platform between countries and international actors in the blue economy within the 5+5 cooperation framework.
Tunisia, a Pillar of Regional Blue Transition
By hosting this conference, Tunisia reiterates its willingness to play a central role in the governance of the Mediterranean maritime space and to actively contribute to the implementation of sustainable maritime policies for a more resilient and prosperous Mediterranean.
Press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad
