Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Following President von der Leyen’s call for a more focused approach to the EU’s wider neighbourhood, particularly the Mediterranean, with a Commissioner in the new Commission set up dedicated to this portfolio, the European Commission has created a new Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA). In line with the President’s political guidelines and the mission of Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, this new Directorate-General will work to build strong partnerships with North African, Middle Eastern and Gulf countries to ensure prosperity, security and resilience based on mutual interests, a Commission statement said on Monday. The Directorate-General will focus on advancing partnerships that address investment, economic stability, jobs, energy, transport, security, migration and other areas of common interest.
The newly created Directorate-General, under the leadership of Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, is now the Commission’s entry point for all countries in the region. The Directorate-General will help drive and shape the EU’s Mediterranean policy objectives, facilitating them with technical and financial support.
It brings a major innovation as the new Directorate General for the Middle East and North Africa will be entirely dedicated to the Mediterranean area, i.e. North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf countries.

In total, the Directorate General for the Middle East and North Africa will have more than 500 staff, both at the European headquarters and in the EU delegations.
“The Mediterranean has always been a cultural bridge and a strategic route where shared histories and traditions have shaped our European identity. The creation of the new Directorate-General for the Middle East and North Africa marks a pivotal moment, bringing renewed relevance and innovation to EU policy towards the Mediterranean and the Gulf. This new department of the Commission will be entirely dedicated to addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of the region – by bringing together the different shores of our sea and beyond. In an evolving geopolitical landscape, the EU acts as a strategic, cohesive and reliable partner for a stable and prosperous future rooted in mutual respect, growth and stronger connections,” said Commissioner Soica. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the new Directorate-General at the presentation of the College of Commissioners in September 2024. The Political Guidelines 2024-2029 and Commissioner Soica’s Mission Statement point to the first policy initiative: the adoption of the new Charter for the Mediterranean, which will build on Comprehensive partnerships focusing on investment, economic stability, jobs, energy, transport, security, migration and other areas of common interest, through an integrated approach that combines elements of economic, humanitarian, development, peace and security policies, based on the values ​​and principles of the European Union.