Strengthening energy cooperation between the Med9 countries and promoting green energy will be the focus of next week’s ministerial meeting in Larnaca, which was expected to promote peace and stability in the broader region.
Energy ministers from the alliance of nine Mediterranean and southern European EU member states, namely Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain, will be meeting on September 23, in the framework of Cyprus’ presidency of the Med9.
The meeting will take place at Radisson Blu in Larnaca, from 9am till 3 pm, and will be presided over by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou.
Representatives from the European Commission and the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) will also be present.
The meeting will be divided into three sessions.
During the first session, the nine energy ministers will exchange views on the creation of a junction in the Mediterranean for the transportation of green energy between European and third countries, a move which the organisers believe could contribute towards achieving energy goals and security and promote peace and stability in the broader region.
The second session will focus on cooperation between Med9 members in licensing cross-border green projects, a fundamental precondition for implementing the common vision for the creation of an energy hub in the Mediterranean.
At 12.15pm, the ministers will take a family photo, followed by a joint press conference, during which Papanastasiou will present the joint communique.
The third session will be held over a working lunch, during which the ministers will discuss the necessity to create a policy framework for offshore renewable energy technologies, which could include wind generators, floating photovoltaics and wave energy.
Cyprus, holding the Med9 presidency in 2024, will be responsible for hosting key meetings, including the Leaders’ Summit in Paphos on October 11.
During Cyprus’ presidency, a number of issues will be discussed, such as regional cooperation and environmental sustainability.
Cyprus has already hosted meetings of education, culture and agriculture ministers.
The presidency offers Cyprus the opportunity to promote critical issues for Cyprus and the Mediterranean, particularly in the areas of green energy, water scarcity and renewable resources.
