Beyond the vast significance of the topics addressed, the IX Euro-Mediterranean Summit has also become a showcase for Alicante’s luxury diplomacy. Casa Mediterráneo played a pivotal role, hosting a Friday luncheon where the center of gravity shifted toward the host venue. Local cuisine crafted by renowned chefs, including Susi Díaz and Pablo Montoro, offered separate menus that captivated heads of state and their delegations, all under an atmosphere shaped by province-based companies.
After the morning sessions at Euipo, the luncheon began. Amid a strong police presence and a cordon around Casa Mediterráneo, access was limited to invitees within a 50-meter perimeter while the talks continued. The arrival of the head of government drew attention as lines converged; Socialist Pedro Sánchez arrived with a delay caused by the Canell’s president Ximo Puig also arriving later than expected. If Sánchez had not slowed his movement, he might have been greeted by Luis Barcala, Alicante’s mayor at that moment, who belonged to a different party.
From there, Andrés Perelló, general manager of Casa Mediterráneo, oversaw the reception of the remaining heads of state and government from the participating nations. Among those entering were the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Janez Janša from Slovenia, Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, Robert Abela of Malta, Antonio Costa of Portugal, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Italian delegation was represented by Vice President and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, standing in for Giorgia Meloni who was absent due to illness. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, were also present. The Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades did not attend the luncheon, as his delegation arrived later to join the working session in Ciudad de la Luz.
At Casa Mediterráneo, Enric Morera, president of the Valencian Parliament; Pilar Bernabé, Government delegate in the Community; Araceli Poblador, sub-delegate in Alicante; and Ximo Puig alongside Luis Barcala were among those in attendance.
world menus
Inside the venue, heads of state enjoyed a menu prepared by Michelin-starred chef Susi Díaz, showcasing a genuine regional tasting inspired by La Finca in Elche. The tasting began with a sea urchin and shrimp cream, followed by an airy shrimp puff pastry. The course progression featured asparagus from Villena with a delicate ice cream, then a first dish of peas paired with squid juice, and a second course of sweet rice with whitebait, finished with extra virgin olive oil and pinto beans. A nod to local terroir and regional symbolism appeared in dessert, with Jijona nougat ice cream shaped in a Lady of Elche mold.
Presidents appreciated the menu, while some participants preferred the alternative option prepared by Pablo Montoro of Espacio Montoro in Alicante.
Total attendance reached 94 people at Casa Mediterráneo, with heads of state and government accompanied by their delegations, alongside regional and local authorities.
Food was only part of the Alicante experience. The settings across the halls were the work of provincial firms. Carpas Gracia and Alaves, based in San Vicente del Raspeig, organized a series of tents marking dining zones, while Florarte of Alicante handled floral arrangements for the tables.
Viveros Ferpas, also from San Vicente del Raspeig, created a landscaped area featuring local flora such as lavender and olive trees.
A Lady of Elche dessert made from nougat: Susi Díaz’s dessert for Heads of State
Additionally, the Petrer-based company Kava supervised the event’s furnishings, and Hi Print of Alicante produced a large-format image by photographer Ángel Fitor depicting a jellyfish. Rafa Galán from Alicante captured official photographs, while Carmencita of Novelda provided salt mills stored in a protected vault for attendees. RG managed the electrical installations.
Finally, Alcoy’s Textile Technology Institute (Aitex) contributed a tablecloth crafted from recycled plastic bottles and guests signed a formal guestbook.
Andrés Perelló, the lunch host, emphasized Alicante’s aim to position the province as a Mediterranean reference point. He noted that Casa Mediterráneo champions regional products and companies, with the broader goal of highlighting the Valencian Community and Spain. He also expressed satisfaction at the positive feedback from leaders.
Puig highlighted the event’s favorable impact on the image of the venue. He stressed that the summit offered a chance to project a positive view of Alicante and the Valencian Community, and that leaders left with a strong impression of the region. He added that discussions on energy sovereignty at the European level remain crucial and that the event yielded valuable inputs for promoting the province. The president observed that the gathering provided a vivid glimpse into the spirit of the region.
Puig spoke with fellow presidents during lunch at Casa Mediterráneo, enjoying the menus and the atmosphere created by the local companies. Notable sights included a striking display by Milan Design Fair winner Antonio Tajani, who stopped for a photo with Andrés Perelló beside a sea-wave sculpture made of potato starch.