MADRID (AP) — More investment and polices regulating immigration are needed for countries on the southern Mediterranean basin that have been hit hard by the food and energy crisis brought on by Russia’s war in Ukraine, the European Union’s foreign policy chief said Thursday. Speaking at the 7th regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean that brought together delegations from 43 countries, Josep Borrell said southern countries need support to narrow the growing economic gap with countries in the north. “It’s a very young population in search of opportunities,” he said adding that there need to be more development and regulated migration. “Opportunities have to be offered.”The Union for the Mediterranean aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among its member countries despite their economic and political differences. The forum signed an accord to launch the Medusa submarine communications cable project between the southern European countries of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus and the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 24, 2022 15:33 UTC