Leaders of the Mediterranean states meet in Split for the 13th MED9 summit
The 13th MED9 Summit took place on October 7, 2026, in Split, Croatia, bringing together leaders from nine Mediterranean EU member states to discuss regional stability, energy security, and preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting. The summit was hosted by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, with participants including the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
A primary focus of the summit was the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, which President Christodoulides emphasized as vital for the European Union's energy security. In a joint declaration, the participating leaders reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, calling on Turkey to contribute constructively to the resumption of negotiations. Furthermore, the leaders addressed the migration crisis and the importance of ensuring adequate financial support for Mediterranean priorities within the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
On the sidelines of the event, President Christodoulides held bilateral meetings with European Commission President von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and French President Emmanuel Macron. These discussions focused on advancing Cyprus's integration into the Schengen Area and the next steps regarding the UN-led initiatives for dialogue in the Eastern Mediterranean.