From record proposal submissions to international events and strategic partnerships, 2025 has been a landmark year for the Interreg NEXT MED Programme — strengthening transnational cooperation across the Mediterranean.
Here are the 12 highlights that marked the year:
1. 60 Projects approved for Mediterranean Cooperation
In March, the Programme approved 60 transnational projects under the first call for proposals (€134 million total budget), involving 388 partners to address climate adaptation, circular economy, innovation, skills and governance challenges across the Mediterranean.
2. #MADE4MED Community
The communication campaign #MADE4MED was launched to showcase the people, partnerships, and stories behind approved projects. Beyond promoting individual achievements, it fosters a sense of community among all Interreg NEXT MED projects.
3. Record breaking response to the Green Transition Call
With an unprecedented 814 proposals submitted by 5,294 organizations from 15 Mediterranean countries – requesting €1.9 billion in EU funding – the overwhelming response to the green transition call highlights the region’s strong momentum for climate action and cooperation.
4. Collaborating for sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean
The “Paths That Last” conference in Split (Croatia) brought together 340+ participants and 8 Interreg programmes from the Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism to shape sustainable tourism across the Mediterranean.
5. Project launch & training in Bari
Over 200 project leads and partners gathered in Bari (Italy) for a two-day launch and training event, strengthening implementation skills and collaboration ahead of the roll out of approved projects.
6. Hosting our first Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY)
Our Branch Office for Western Mediterranean in Valencia welcomed its first IVY volunteer, supporting communications, events, and youth engagement. Following her successful mission, the Programme launched a call for a second IVY to continue involving young talent.
7. Presence at the UN Ocean Conference
At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, we highlighted Mediterranean blue economy cooperation and participated in high level discussions on blue skills and sustainable ocean use.
8. European Week of Regions & Cities 2025
The Programme returned to EU Regions Week in Brussels with a sustainable tourism hackathon, a stand on transnational cooperation and support for the NAWAMED project selected as finalist in the 2025 REGIOSTARS Awards.
9. Youth and cooperation showcased in the European Parliament
The Programme was featured in the “Through the Youth Lens” exhibition in the European Parliament, demonstrating how youth centred projects like YEP MED contribute to skills, inclusion and economic development.
10. Participation in the Sun&Blue Congress
At the Sun&Blue Congress in Almería, the Programme co-organized events on blue economy projects and launched the first Blue Innovation Challenge for students across the Mediterranean.
11. Expanding dialogue beyond the Euro-Med area
Participation at the 5th Union for the Mediterranean “Energy & Climate Business Forum” in Kuwait brought together key regional actors to advance the green transition and Euro–Mediterranean–Gulf cooperation. The Programme also took part for the first time in the Anna Lindh Foundation Forum in Albania, uniting civil society actors from 43 Euro-Mediterranean countries.
12. Supporting project quality and implementation
We continued providing guidance, training, and resources to project partners, helping ensure high-quality implementation and effective collaboration across the Mediterranean.
What’s next?
As 2025 wraps up, Interreg NEXT MED continues to build momentum — with ongoing evaluations, project launches, community activities and new opportunities that will shape Mediterranean cooperation in 2026 and beyond.
Happy New Year 2026 to the Mediterranean community! Let’s continue building a more connected, resilient, and sustainable region together.
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