Climate change will be a transformative force for the future of the Mediterranean. As countries move away from the consumption and production of fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, new energy hubs and connections will rise. Given its rich renewable resources, the Mediterranean stands to become a major contributor in achieving the targets of the EU’s Green Deal and creating a carbon-neutral Europe. If successfully tapped, these dynamics will create a realignment of the Mediterranean’s importance to the EU. Yet, for this to happen Mediterranean connectivity must be enhanced and intraregional trade boosted: the national has to become more regional. The opportunities lying ahead for the Mediterranean are ample. If they are approached and tackled on a regional basis the Mediterranean stands to re-emerge as focal point and connector of three continents thereby revitalizing its future.

Nevertheless, this will not be easy. Adding to the complexity is the current downcast economic outlook caused by the pandemic. Will the need to ensure a pandemic recovery sabotage the focus on renewables and climate change? Will short term imperatives derail long-term plans?

Introductory remarks:
Cleopatra Kitti, Founder, The Mediterranean Growth Initiative; Senior Policy Advisor, ELIAMEP

Speakers:
Tareq Baconi, Senior Analyst Economics of Conflict, Israel/Palestine, International Crisis Group
Ioannis N. Grigoriadis, Associate Professor, Bilkent University; Senior Research Fellow, ELIAMEP
Aleksandra Tomczak, Member of Cabinet of the Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans
in charge of the European Green Deal, European Commission
Amb. Selim Yenel, President, Global Relations Forum

The discussion will be moderated by Shada Islam, Founder New Horizons Project, Brussels.

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