EMEA – EMANES Policy Paper, November 2025
The Mediterranean basin is currently experiencing a critical juncture, defined by geopolitical uncertainties, conflict outbreaks, climate stress, and persistent socio-economic disparities, which collectively necessitate a strategic revision of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. This policy paper advocates for a renewed Strategic Pact for the Mediterranean, that prioritises the integration of green and digital transitions as core mechanisms for sustainable economic development. Collaboration must expand geographically to incorporate African partners and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to maximise the utilisation of complementary resources, specifically European technology, African demographic dynamism, and GCC investment capacity.
Effective implementation relies fundamentally on mobilising the private sector, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs, through supportive regulatory environments and enhanced regional value chains. Financial innovation, including the utilisation of the European Economic and Investment Plan (EIP), European development banks, Gulf sovereign wealth funds, and a potential dedicated “Mediterranean Transformation Fund,” is required to de-risk investment in strategic sectors. Furthermore, the governance structure must institutionalise co-ownership, mutual accountability, and transparent monitoring amongst the EU, Mediterranean and African governments, the private sector, and civil society.
