On June third, CRE@CTIVE's Spanish partners, the Research and Innovation Institute (AITEX) and the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE), held the "Mediterranean Cooperation Days" at the Casa Mediterráneo in Alicante.

Personalities with decision-making power in neighbourhood policies from various geographical areas of the Mediterranean attended the event, where they discussed the region's accomplishments and how the numerous collaboration efforts made over the years have been critical in supporting many industries and businesses across the Mediterranean.

Mr Ricardo Sánchez-Blanco, deputy director of Foreign Relations in the Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union, wanted to highlight that “EU cooperation with the countries of the southern Mediterranean has been in recent years, one of its strategic priorities, developing the New Agenda for the Mediterranean with the five priorities: human development, good governance and the rule of law; peace and security; migration and mobility; and ecological transition”.

"The CRE@CTIVE project is an example of Mediterranean cooperation," said Joan Calabuig, regional secretary for the European Union and External Relations. "This type of instrument not only shares technical solutions but also builds bridges between the two shores of the Mediterranean and favours joint work and the promotion of economic and social development of those regions".

"Let's make tradition meet innovation. Let's work together," said Jordi Sebastià, IVACE's General Director of External Relations, as he highlighted the significance of working together in recognizing the Mediterranean identity.

The achievements of cross-border cooperation, the upcoming challenges under the European Neighbourhood Instrument, and strategies for developing new business development actions were discussed, as well as common issues in the Mediterranean, such as increasing competitiveness, innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.

The event provided an excellent chance to meet our partners in person and to bring together individuals from all around the Mediterranean to discuss our future and strengthen our ties.

A total of 42 people attended onsite. You can also find the live broadcast on YouTube, where 100 people tuned in.