European Member States To Improve ‘Water Poor’ Mediterranean

19 Oct 2016 --- In recent years, the agricultural sector in the Mediterranean has been suffering from severe water shortages and decreasing crop yields in recent years and today, 180 million people in the Mediterranean basin are considered 'water poor'. This lack of clean water and nutritious food has adverse effects on the health and stability of the population.

The European Commission is proposing a research partnership to change this and increase food and water sustainability in the Mediterranean area through much-needed novel solutions - PRIMA.

“EU research and innovation is open to the world so we can tackle global challenges together. This Euro-Mediterranean partnership is an excellent example of where pooling knowledge and money can make a huge difference. It will bring more clean water and food to the people, boost local economies and create jobs. Through PRIMA, research and innovation will play a crucial role in addressing the root causes of migration,” says Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas. 

The plans include Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia, while negotiations continue with Germany and other countries, both in and outside the EU, are expected to follow. 

Funding for the €400 million partnership will come from the participating countries (currently around €200 million), matched by a €200 million contribution from the EU through its current research framework program Horizon 2020. The partnership is scheduled to run for 10 years, starting in 2018.

The proposal will go before European Parliament and the Council of the EU for discussion and legislative approval.