New phase of EU water and environment programs in the Mediterranean

In the framework of the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), the European Commission has now launched the new phases of its ambitious cooperation programs related to water and environment in the Mediterranean. Thus the extension of the Shared Environment Information System (SEIS) principles to ENI South countries is entering its 2nd phase (Feb. 2016 – Jan. 2020) under the management of the European Environment Agency (EEA). While ENI-SEIS is focusing on data and indicators for monitoring progress on environmental policy implementation, the combined SWIM Horizon 2020 program support Sustainable Water Integrated Management (SWIM) and a cleaner Mediterranean Sea (Horizon 2020). Fact finding missions are taking place in April and May in South Mediterranean countries involving relevant Ministries’ representatives, EU Delegations and key stakeholders. Priorities for regional support will then be discussed and validated with all countries during the Steering Committee that will be organised on 22-23 September in Brussels. In parallel, a call for demonstration projects has been issued earlier in 2016 by the European Commission.