Minister of Economy Oversees Information Day on "Funding Opportunities Under the Cross-Border Cooperation Program for the Mediterranean Basin"
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr. Samir Abdel Hafidh, presided over the opening of an information day organized by the ministry in collaboration with the European Union. The event focused on "Funding Opportunities Under the Cross-Border Cooperation Program for the Mediterranean Basin – Next Med."
The event was attended by the EU Ambassador to Tunisia, Mr. Giuseppe Perrone, along with representatives from the Next Med program, central and regional administrations, local authorities, public institutions, universities, research centers, chambers of commerce and industry, technical centers, technology hubs, national organizations, and others.
During his address, Mr. Samir Abdel Hafidh highlighted the program's importance in fostering cooperation and partnership in the Mediterranean Basin by providing funding for projects aimed at addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in the region. These opportunities are available to both the public and private sectors.
The minister noted that the Next Med program, with a budget of approximately €84 million, is dedicated to joint projects in critical areas, such as energy efficiency, circular economy, water management, innovative solutions to combat climate change, ecological challenges, and reducing carbon emissions. These fields align closely with Tunisia's current and future national priorities.
Mr. Abdel Hafidh praised the robust collaboration between Tunisia and the European Union, particularly through programs like the cross-border cooperation initiative. This program aligns with the EU's neighborhood policy, which aims to make the Mediterranean region a space of peace, development, and prosperity. He expressed hope that the event would allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the funding opportunities available through Next Med, the procedures to access them, and how to design projects that align with the program's objectives.
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