A meeting of the CoR's ARLEM commission this week saw President of the EA Group, Nanette Maupertuis, offer a territorial perspective on the Euro-Mediterranean Strategic Agenda before engaging with honoured Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders, Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan.

Contributing to discussions on the ARLEM commission's draft report: 'Territorial Perspectives for the New Euro-Mediterranean Strategic Agenda', President Maupertuis commended its focus on fostering cooperation between local and regional authorities (LRAs) in the region. She stressed the importance of recognising LRAs as strategic partners in achieving environmental, economic and social resilience within the region while also strengthening cross-border partnerships and cooperation. Nonetheless, she emphasised that the final report must pay greater attention to integrating and developing island territories of the Mediterranean. These territories are most vulnerable to climate change, tourism and water and waste management challenges, and require greater support so that they too can develop sustainably while mitigating brain drain and emigration. 'There cannot be a resilient Mediterranean without its islands' stressed Ms. Maupertuis, conclusively affirming that strengthening mediterranean collaboration must not neglect or leave behind its most vulnerable and vital territories.

Later, President Maupertuis addressed Palestinian and Israeli community leaders, Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan. Mr. Aramin and Mr. Elhanan were awarded special recognition of the Mayor Pawel Adamowicz Award at the CoR's 164^th plenary session in February for their work in championing outreach between Palestinian and Israeli communities. Ms. Maupertuis congratulated their crucial work before reminding the commission, 'there is no shame in defending peace and nothing else' and advocating a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine premised on justice and understanding. She highlighted the responsibility of European leaders to avoid taking sides and instead focus on fostering regional reconciliation. In particular, LRAS must combat disinformation within their communities and promote a position that pursues peace above all else. 'We will not find a solution by taking sides' she concluded.