Union for the Mediterranean – M. Olivier Becht takes part in the seventh regional forum (Barcelona, 23-24 November 2022)

M. Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, is representing Mme Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at the seventh Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, being held in Barcelona (Spain) on 23 and 24 November 2022.

The Forum brings together the foreign ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean’s 42 member States. It is co-chaired by Mr Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President, and Mr Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan. The Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean will be followed by the ministerial meeting between the European Union and the Southern Neighbourhood.

During the visit, the Minister Delegate is meeting representatives of the French community in Barcelona, one of the largest French communities abroad, with 35,000 French people. This very dynamic community has a strong economic presence – in industry, services, La FrenchTech and as self-employed entrepreneurs – and a strong cultural presence – with eight schools, two Instituts français in Zaragoza and Barcelona and higher-education institutions such as the Toulouse Business School, which is opening its new, eco-friendly campus in Barcelona.