Western Mediterranean countries moving towards an Action Plan for water

Following the endorsement of the Water Strategy in the Western Mediterranean (WSWM) in Algiers on 31 March 2015, the water group of the 5+5 dialogue has been actively working on the preparation of an action plan and related projects. The second technical meeting was held in Valencia on 24 and 25 February 2016. A 1st draft action plan together with a dissemination roadmap as well as rules of the procedures for the organisation of and operation of the water group. The meeting was attended by 9 of the 10 Western Mediterranean countries (Libya was excused), the UfM secretariat, the European Commission as well as official observer members and financial institutions. This group is seen as a forerunner that could serve as a laboratory for the UfM Water Expert Group (relaunched last December in Luxembourg). Indeed discussions and decision making are much easier with a smaller group. It was agreed that the draft action plan will be reviewed to integrate the mapping of 5+5 water priorities with the priorities set-up in the draft Mediterranean Strategy for Water, while keeping the specificities of the sub-Mediterranean region. On the other hand, the analysis of projects proposed so far highlighted the need for clustering them mainly to bring a regional dimension to local projects representing 2/3 of the overall number. The 5+5 water process will expose its results at the MedCop 22 foreseen this summer in Tangiers (Morocco).