The   final conference of the EBSOMED project took place on Friday June 16, 2023 at the EESC headquarter in Brussels, bringing together an esteemed consortium of partners, including BUSINESSMED, EUROCHAMBRES, ASCAME, ANIMA Investment Network, CAWTAR, GACIC, and the European Commission. This momentous event served as a platform to share the remarkable achievements, groundbreaking ideas, and promising prospects of the EBSOMED project, which has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation in the face of regional challenges.

Over the course of more than five years, the EBSOMED project has remained steadfast in its dedication to promoting sustainable development and political reform in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Despite formidable obstacles such as the COVID crises, EBSOMED has emerged as a transformative force, transforming challenges into opportunities for economic growth and positive change.

BUSINESSMED, the Union Méditerranéenne des Confédérations d'Entreprises, the project coordinator, proudly presented its significant accomplishments, including country-specific studies, capacity-building activities, valuable B2B meeting opportunities, and the development of the Business Country Desk (BCD) - a sustainable tool paving the way for economic development in Mediterranean countries.

Barbara Beltrame Giacomello, President of BUSINESSMED, emphasized the creation of an extensive network comprising over 3,000 business organizations, facilitating countless business opportunities for 450 individuals. The project also prioritized capacity building, engaging 534 organizations in the process.

During the conference, partners shared the achievements of their respective activities through compelling testimonials from participating organizations. Luis Miranda, ASCAME project manager, highlighted the remarkable outcomes of the project, ranging from innovative capacity building initiatives and dynamic B2B events to enlightening field visits and interactive labeling workshops.

Soukeina Bouraoui, President of CAWTAR, presented the invaluable work carried out under the project, with a particular focus on promoting women's participation in the Mediterranean business ecosystem and their access to decision-making positions. Gender mainstreaming has been a fundamental principle of EBSOMED, exemplified by the active involvement of over 2,700 women, illustrating the project's commitment to empowering women and young people.

Tarek Cherif, President of the ANIMA network, lauded EBSOMED's transformative impact on the region, particularly during times of crisis. He emphasized the need to instill hope and ensure dignified living conditions for the region's young population.

The overarching goal of EBSOMED was to bolster the Mediterranean Business Ecosystem and promote inclusive economic development by enhancing the management capacity of Mediterranean Business Support Organizations (BSOs) through improved services and quality standards. This ambitious endeavor aimed at creating a thriving business environment, driving sustainable growth and prosperity in the Southern Neighborhood Countries.

The EBSOMED project , funded by the EU stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. The achievements celebrated and the partnerships forged during this journey provide a strong foundation for a brighter future in the Euro-Mediterranean region, where economic opportunities are abundant, and sustainable development is realized.