Dubravka Šuica

Yesterday was April Fools’ Day. But misinformation doesn’t just happen once a year. 🔍 On #InternationalFactCheckingDay, we’re busting some of the most common myths about the MENA region and the EU’s partnership with it. Swipe to separate myth from truth. ➡️

Did you know that since last October, the EU has been rolling out one of the world’s most advanced border management systems? The new 🇪🇺 Entry/Exit System replaces manual passport stamping and uses biometric data to track when and where non-EU travellers enter and leave the EU. For example, out of 45 million - Croatia 🇭🇷 alone has recorded 3.6 million travellers and stopped 2,646 people without the right to enter. By next week, the system will be fully operational across all Member States - facilitating travels & strengthening the security of our citizens every day.

Good news for Croatia 🇭🇷! The @europeancommission disbursed €896.9 million under #NextGenerationEU to boost the country’s growth and competitiveness. The payment follows the fulfilment of nearly all 🇪🇺 milestones and targets, delivering concrete benefits such as better healthcare access, sustainable finance, innovative mobility, improved water management, sustainable agriculture.

#PaktZaMediteran 🇪🇺 We presented the Pact for the Mediterranean to the public for the first time in an EU Member State in Zadar this winter, with the generous support of the City of Zadar and Zadar County. Take a look at how it went and hear the key messages from the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. 🇭🇷 U Zadru smo ove zime Pakt za Mediteran po prvi put predstavili javnosti u nekoj državi članici Unije, uz gostoprimstvo župana Zadarska županija Josipa Bilavera i gradonačelnika Grada Zadra Šime Erlića. 🌊Pogledajte kako nam je bilo i poslušajte glavne poruke o Paktu povjerenice za Mediteran Europske komisije Dubravka Suica. Pakt se temelji na tri stupa: ➡️ Ljudi – osobito osnaženi kroz mrežu sveučilišta na Mediteranu kojom ćemo povezati studente, istraživače i mlade talente diljem regije. ➡️ Jača gospodarstva i prosperitet – putem inicijative T-MED, jačanjem energetskih poveznica i gospodarske suradnje na Mediteranu. ➡️ Sigurnost i otpornost – kroz partnerstva za talente i uspostavu novog mediteranskog centra za gašenje požara, radi zaštite naše obale, otoka i turizma te unapređenja upravljanja zakonitim migracijama. I Hrvatska kao sredozemna država članica Unije ima važnu ulogu u oblikovanju Pakta i njegova Akcijskog plana – kako bismo naš mediteranski identitet pretočili u konkretne suradnje i uspješne projekte s obje strane Mediterana.

Iskrene čestitke Nadi Murganić na ukazanom ponovnom povjerenju i reizboru na čelu Zajednice žena @hdz.hr-a „Katarina Zrinski“, kao i svim novoizabranim dužnosnicama i članicama vodstva. Uloga žena u oblikovanju politika ključna je za stvaranje pravednijeg, otpornijeg i prosperitetnijeg društva. Kroz snažno sudjelovanje žena u političkom životu gradimo temelje za održiv razvoj, veće povjerenje i donošenje odluka koje odražavaju potrebe naših građana.

With today’s 🇪🇺 Communication on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management, we took a decisive step in addressing wildfires, a major challenge for the Mediterranean. We are building on our ongoing work under the #PactfortheMediterranean to step up cooperation with our Southern Neighbourhood partners on preparedness and response capabilities. The European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus 🇨🇾 is a central pillar of our response.

At the #3SI Parliamentary Summit, I had the pleasure to exchange views with H.E. Mohamed Abou El-Enein, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the @UfMSecretariat. A wide ranging discussion on the many challenges our region is faced with. Our cooperation with the @UfMSecretariat - as an inclusive platform turning political priorities into concrete action - is key to turning these into opportunities and delivering results for our citizens. I welcome the Assembly’s support for the #PactfortheMediterranean. We are moving quickly on implementation, with the first Action Plan launching in April. A flagship initiative: the Youth Parliamentary Assembly - building the future of the Mediterranean with its youth.

Honoured to be in 🇭🇷 Zagreb for the #3SI Parliamentary Summit, hosted by @hrvatski_sabor and @gordan.jandrokovic. Our work in the Mediterranean and the Three Seas Initiative is complementary - each investment reinforces the next, boosting growth, resilience, and connectivity. Through the #PactfortheMediterranean, we are creating connections that open new opportunities - from clean energy to trade and infrastructure. Together, we are building stronger links - from the Baltic to the Mediterranean and beyond. Corridors of trust that deliver.

I had the pleasure to meet with @hana.jalloul. Human rights, governance and support to civil society are a key pillar of our partnerships with Mediterranean countries, and central to our ongoing engagement in the region. I look forward to continued exchanges with the DROI Committee.

Pleasure to meet @salih in Brussels to discuss our cooperation supporting refugees across the #Mediterranean. Together with @refugees , we advance protection, support host communities, and strengthen national asylum systems in line with international law. As escalation in the Middle East drives displacement, we are adjusting our programmes, notably in Lebanon, while working towards conditions for voluntary, safe and sustainable returns to Syria. Our cooperation in North Africa remains crucial.

💧 Today we celebrate the World Water Day - a reminder that water is life, and a basic human right. Across the globe, billions still face challenges in accessing safe water. In the Mediterranean region, access to clean water is under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and overuse of resources. Through our 🇪🇺 partnerships & the Pact for the Mediterranean, we are investing in solutions to strengthen infrastructure and expand access to safe drinking water. Together, we can turn commitment into action and ensure that everyone has access to this essential resource.

10 years ago, the heart of Brussels was struck by violence. A day we will never forget. Since then, the EU has strengthened cooperation to fight terrorism - with stronger laws, closer cross-border action, and determined efforts against radicalisation. Through the Pact for the Mediterranean, we are also deepening cooperation with partners to prevent terrorism and violent extremism, and address shared security threats. We remain united in protecting our security and our values.

What a privilege to witness the inauguration of Matera as Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026, with my dear colleague @raffaelefitto. The Mediterranean’s rich heritage drives growth, identity, and cooperation. Through the Pact for the Mediterranean, we are investing in culture and education to unlock new opportunities. Our flagship initiatives? ➡️ A Euro-Med initiative for culture, sport, and tourism - to support heritage, boost sustainable tourism, & creative industries protecting sites, supporting artists, and promoting exchange across the region. ➡️ A Mediterranean University Network - joint programmes and increased student and staff to strengthen inclusion, dialogue, and a shared sense of belonging.

This afternoon, I was impressed by how Matera has transformed itself by putting people first - an approach we strongly believe in at the EU. As former Mayor of 🇭🇷 Dubrovnik, I have seen how building development around communities makes us stronger. This is also at the heart of the Pact for the Mediterranean - built together in a true spirit of partnership, with Italy playing a key role.

At today’s @epp Enlarged Summit, we agreed on strengthening joint EU initiatives to protect civilians and to support our Member States on the front line, Cyprus in particular. We also committed to deepen cooperation with our Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf partners. On Lebanon, we reiterate our support to the Lebanese army, while working towards peace talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Welcome to Brussels, 🇱🇧 @samy_gemayel . In this critical moment, the EU stands firmly with the Lebanese people. Protecting civilians and respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty remain essential. We remain committed to supporting key reforms under our €1 billion package, and enhancing our support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and @unifil_official.

Celebrating 50 years of the @epp - a political family that has shaped Europe’s path with responsibility, unity, hope and vision 🇪🇺 From rebuilding our continent into a project of peace, to addressing today’s challenges with resolve, the EPP delivers for our citizens. We will continue building a Europe with its people at the centre and I am proud to be a VP of such a party.

Today we are taking another step to boost Europe’s attractiveness and competitiveness. “EU Inc.” will make it easier for companies to operate across the EU under one set of rules. Our SMEs should focus on growing their businesses - not on bureaucracy. They need simpler rules and better tools to attract and retain talent.

The EU’s support to Lebanon and its people is unwavering. The current escalation of violence and significant displacements require sustained efforts from all of us, including international and regional partners, to ensure continued access to basic services. In addition to the humanitarian aid, in partnership with the Lebanese authorities, under the 🇪🇺 €1 billion financial support package we are responding to the immediate needs of the most vulnerable by providing: ✅ Additional cash assistance to over 100.000 vulnerable displaced families. ✅ Support to healthcare through primary care centres, mobile medical units, and stockpiling of essential medicines and supplies. We’ve activated 21 primary health support units covering 67 shelters in areas hosting displaced population. ✅ Support for more than 150.000 children and young people to continue learning through online tools, psychosocial support, and activities for those unable to attend school.

Good to meet today Borjana Krišto and Dragan Čović. We had a good discussion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 🇧🇦 path towards the 🇪🇺. The EU stands firmly with BiH in advancing reforms. In a complex political environment, this can be challenging. Yet, in spite of this, it is essential to stay the course, remain committed to European integration and deliver on agreed priorities.

Good exchange with @inger_andersen on strengthening cooperation with @unep in the Mediterranean. The region is warming 20% faster than the global average, with growing risks from heatwaves, wildfires, and coastal flooding. Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is central to the Pact for the Mediterranean. Our priority: shift from reaction to resilience - with coordinated policies and green investment. No country can tackle this alone - regional and global cooperation is essential.

Meeting national parliaments is essential for democratic accountability. I am grateful for the insightful exchange with the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (#COSAC). The Euro-Mediterranean partnership is more important than ever as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. National and European members of parliaments are vital partners in this joint effort. Engaging young people is also key. Under the #PactfortheMediterranean we are working to establish a Youth Parliamentary Assembly to give young elected representatives a voice in shaping our shared future.

I thank the 🇨🇾 Presidency for the important discussion on the Southern Neighbourhood at today’s #FAC. In a rapidly evolving regional context, strengthening cooperation with our Mediterranean partners is essential. The #PactfortheMediterranean Action Plan will translate this commitment into concrete cooperation for people, stability and shared prosperity.

At today’s #ForeignAffairsCouncil we discussed the escalating crisis in the Middle East and its regional consequences. The EU calls for de-escalation and respect for international humanitarian law while scaling up assistance: €458M humanitarian support for the region, €100M for Lebanon, 40 tonnes of emergency supplies delivered and additional humanitarian flights underway. My team and services stand ready to closely coordinate with Mediterranean and Gulf partners affected by this crisis to ensure sustained support.

At today’s #FAC we will discuss the situation in the Middle East and our relations with the Southern Neighbourhood. ➡️ We condemn Iran’s attacks and call for de-escalation and diplomacy. We stand with our Gulf partners to preserve regional stability and avoid global repercussions on energy, security and trade. ➡️ In Lebanon, deeply concerned by escalating violence and civilian displacement. The EU has been first to deliver humanitarian aid on the ground and will step up support, including in education and health. ➡️ The situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains worrying. We are preparing a quick-impact support with partners on the ground. ➡️ We are advancing the implementation of the #PactfortheMediterranean, Action Plan to be presented in April. ➡️ Even closer engagement with our Gulf partners is key, preparations for an 🇪🇺- @gulf.cooperation.council Summit are ongoing.

Good discussions tonight at the #ThreeSeasInitiative dinner under 🇭🇷’s Presidency. Strengthening connectivity, energy and transport infrastructure across Central and Eastern Europe reinforces Europe’s North-South corridors: an important foundation for deeper cooperation and connectivity with the #Mediterranean and our wider neighbourhood.

In Strasbourg 🇪🇺 today, discussions with MEPs focused on the situation in the Middle East and the importance of advancing the Pact for the Mediterranean Action Plan in this moment of uncertainty. Strengthening cooperation across our shared region is more important than ever. We also marked #InternationalWomensDay in EP plenary. The EU Commission College adopted the Energy Package (Investments, Small Reactors and measures for cheaper bills for citizens) - key steps for a stronger and fairer Europe.

Today I met EU Heads of Delegations from the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf. Their experience on the ground is invaluable - I thank them for their commitment and resilience. We discussed the situation in the region, the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, our partnerships with our southern neighbours and with the Gulf. Our delegations are Europe’s eyes and ears on the ground - their experience helps advance European interests and shape our priorities in Brussels. The Pact will play a key role: fast, practical and focused on delivering tangible results for us and our partners across the region.

Excellent meeting today in Brussels with 🇭🇷 Deputy PM and Minister of Finance Tomislav Ćorić. We addressed the impact of the current crisis in the Middle East on EU and Croatian citizens, especially in relation to energy. EU and Member States are working together to ensure our economies remain resilient. We discussed the Multiannual Financial Framework and how an adequate EU budget will be essential to deliver on our priorities.

Glad to welcome 🇭🇷 Min @dr.alen_ruzic to Brussels today. We discussed EU’s demographic challenges and priorities. We also spoke about Croatia’s MED9 Presidency, the Pact for the Mediterranean, and negotiations on the next EU budget. I welcome support for the Mediterranean University initiative, involving also Split, Rijeka, Zadar and Dubrovnik.