Greece - Clément Beaune to participate in the meeting of European Affairs Ministers from the Southern EU (MED7) - (Athens, 11 June 2021)

Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will attend today’s meeting in Athens of European Affairs ministers from the countries of the Southern European Union (MED7). It precedes the 8th Summit of the Southern EU Countries to be held in Greece this September.

The ministers will reaffirm their intention to learn the lessons of the health crisis, especially with regard to mobility and tourism. They will discuss every aspect of the recovery (digital transition, ecological transition, European Pillar of Social Rights) as well as the definitive implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which are priorities for France.

The ministers will review the migratory situation and address discussions by the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which should result in effective solidarity mechanisms and efficient joint management of external borders. They will discuss the European Commission’s recent publication of its strategy for reforming the Schengen Area, which is necessary in order to safeguard its gains and improve its governance.

Finally, they will address the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean ahead of the European Council of June 24-25 and will discuss the implementation and strengthening of the European partnership with the countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean and their civil societies.