Portugal prepares to take helm of Mediterranean alliance as leaders meet in Split
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro arrives in Split, Croatia today for the final summit of the MED9 alliance under Croatian leadership, with Portugal confirmed to assume the rotating presidency in early 2027. The meeting brings together nine European Mediterranean states to coordinate positions on security, migration and the next European Union budget.
Montenegro travelled directly from Strasbourg, where he addressed the European Parliament on Tuesday. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel for talks that will shape the alliance's priorities before Portugal takes over the leadership.
Who is at the table
The summit includes prime ministers from Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Italy and Malta, along with the presidents of Cyprus and France. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also participating, alongside Prince Albert II of Monaco and Crown Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah of Jordan.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is absent following his announcement of early general elections in Spain.
The MED9 group, founded in 2013, unites Portugal, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, Italy, Slovenia and Spain — all Mediterranean basin countries that share the euro and Schengen membership, except Cyprus which remains outside the Schengen area.
Three working sessions shape the agenda
Leaders will discuss three main themes: building resilience in the Mediterranean, partnerships for sustainable development, and the uncertain geopolitical outlook for the Middle East. The working sessions cover security, energy, environmental protection and water management.
A joint declaration expected at the close of the summit will reaffirm commitments to address common challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical context. The document emphasises coordinated action on security, sustainability and relations with the EU's southern neighbours.
Discussions also prepare the ground for the October European Council meeting, with particular focus on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028–2034.
Budget negotiations take centre stage
The nine alliance members are coordinating their position on the next seven-year EU budget. Their shared priorities include:
• Maintaining robust funding for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy
• Opposing the return of national budget rebates
• Balancing new investment priorities with traditional policy funding
Portugal and its Mediterranean partners argue that cohesion and agriculture funds remain essential for regional development and economic resilience. The proposed budget framework, estimated at around €2 trillion, shifts toward investment in competitiveness, defence and strategic autonomy — changes that could reshape how Mediterranean countries access EU funding.
Middle East instability drives security talks
The conflict in the Middle East dominates the geopolitical discussions. Foreign ministers meeting in Split in April called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and sustained de-escalation in the region.
The summit addresses how instability affects maritime security, energy supplies and migration pressures on Mediterranean countries. A May meeting in Rome focused on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid regional tensions.
The joint declaration will also touch on the Cyprus question, reaffirming support for a comprehensive UN-brokered resolution that aligns with EU law and values.
Portugal takes the lead next year
Portugal's presidency, announced at the October 2025 summit in Slovenia, begins in January 2027. The country will host the 14th MED9 summit, marking the close of its leadership period.
The alliance coordinates Mediterranean interests within the EU, giving Portugal a platform to advance priorities including maritime security, energy transition and relations with southern partner countries. Portugal is also campaigning for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028.
Montenegro thanked his counterparts at the Slovenia summit for their confidence in Portuguese leadership of the informal group, which operates through consensus to influence broader EU policy.
What this means for Portugal
Portugal's presidency comes at a critical moment for EU budget negotiations. The country depends on cohesion funds for infrastructure and regional development — money that could face pressure from new EU priorities like defence and technology investment.
Hosting the MED9 summit also positions Portugal to shape Mediterranean policy on migration, energy security and climate adaptation, all areas with direct impact on national interests and EU funding allocations.
