The ninth meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee, the decision-making body of the ENI CBC Med Programme - made up of the national delegations from thirteen countries*, representatives of the European Commission and chaired by the Sardinia Region (Italy) as the Programme Managing Authority - took place in Athens, Greece on 28th of June 2022. 

In particular, the state of implementation of the 80 projects underway tackling strategic issues such as economic development, innovation, social inclusion and the fight against climate change was discussed. Despite the challenges related to the pandemic, the extent of the results achieved and benefits delivered for local communities and people across the Mediterranean area are significant. This is also thanks to the proactive action of the Programme managing bodies – i.e., the Managing Authority, the Joint Technical Secretariat and the two Branch Offices - and the National Contact Points of the 13 participation countries that worked to support a fluid, continuous and efficient cooperation between the more than 600 organizations involved.

In addition, the proposals for the annual activity, communication and financial plans, presented by the Managing Authority, were approved by the Joint Monitoring Committee. Among the most important actions planned until June 2023 is the participation of the Programme in a series of relevant European and international events and campaigns, including the EU Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels, Belgium (26-30 September 2022), the United Nations Climate Change Conference 'COP27' in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 7 to 18 November 2022, or the Mediterranean Day (28 November 2022). 

"The positive results achieved during the last meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee highlight the trust of the participating countries in the work carried out with commitment by the managing bodies and their ability to operate professionally in a geographic area of great geopolitical complexity", said Ms. Antonella Giglio, director of the ENI CBC Med Managing Authority. 
ENI CBC Med is the largest cross-border cooperation initiative implemented by the European Union in the Mediterranean area: with a total budget of 209 million euros, the Programme aims to contribute to a fair and sustainable development through the financing of joint projects. 

Appointed as Managing Authority of the programme since 2007, the Sardinia Region has also been confirmed for the new Interreg NEXT MED transnational cooperation programme which is about to be submitted to the European Commission for approval, expected by the end of 2022. 

The Managing Authority would like to sincerely thank the Greek delegation for its warm hospitality and contribution to the organization of the meeting Joint Monitoring Committee.

*Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia