On 20 October 2026, members of the European Parliament met to debate the European Parliament’s own-initiative report "A new co-ownership for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean" (rapporteur Nicola Zingaretti, S&D) concerning the European Commission’s communication on a Pact for the Mediterranean (see  ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, October 2025). The Pact for the Mediterranean report contains three pillars: people; stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies; and security, preparedness and migration management. It also pushes for more funding, accountability and Parliament oversight. As an own-initiative (INI) report, the text is not legislative and has no binding effect; if adopted, it will take the form of a resolution setting out the European Parliament’s position, strategic priorities and recommendations on the Pact for the Mediterranean. The report endorses the Pact’s shift towards co-ownership and shared governance within the region, with recommendations on topics including economic development, education, energy, and security.  

The MEPs were scheduled to vote on the report on 21 October, however, the vote has been postponed at the request of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group and will be rescheduled.  Right-wing and far-right MEPs called for EU funding and trade with southern partners to be tied to cooperation on readmission and irregular migration. The S&D, the rapporteur’s group, asked for the vote to be postponed after amendments tabled shortly before the vote which, according to Zingaretti, could have called the purpose of the Pact into question. 

Regarding its connection to higher education, the Pact for the Mediterranean supports the establishment of a Mediterranean University consortia, which builds on and strengthens Erasmus+ elements, such as joint programmes, mobility and credit recognition. For more details on this, read the related Action Plan, adopted in April 2026 (see  ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, April 2026).