The final Steering Committee meeting of the South Programme V "Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean", was held in a hybrid format on 27 October 2025 in Lisbon.

As the implementation period of the South Programme V is coming to an end, the objective of the final Steering Committee meeting is to:

•  Review key results and achievements of the current phase taking stock of the progress made together;
•  Prepare for a seamless transition into the next phase of the South Programme (November 2025 – December 2028), setting the direction for future priorities and continued collaboration.

The event was co-chaired by representatives of the Directorate General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The Focal Points in the Delegations of the European Union in the Southern Mediterranean and the National Coordinators designated by partner authorities of the South Programme V are members of the Steering Committee.

In addition, national partners in selected thematic areas, representatives of diplomatic missions of partner countries present in Lisbon, Portugal, and representatives of regional organisations, projects and programmes were invited to participate the final Steering Committee meeting.

More details about the event agenda

The Programme video including partners testemonials are available here