1. Executive Summary:

The Rome Mediterranean Dialogues is a significant global conference. In 2024, the MED community organised its 10th edition of the Dialogue on 25th–27th November. The conference brought together several world political and societal leaders for high-level discussions on the most critical issues of the wider Mediterranean. The theme of this year, “Positive Agenda,” is a strategic approach aimed at rejuvenating Mediterranean cooperation and reminding the world of its crucial position within Italian foreign policy. Strategic implications, emerging trends, and stakeholder recommendations are analysed in the detailed report below.

2. Background:

Historical Context:

The MED conference was launched in 2015 by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which became a prominent dialogue bringing together profound personalities of the Mediterranean region. MED’s past editions have been attended by more than 2,000 international leaders, including Heads of State, Ministers, dignitaries, representatives of international organisations, and business leaders, mostly from countries of the wider Mediterranean and Europe, Asia, and the US.

Current Developments:

The current edition of the conference is taking place at a critical moment. On one hand, the ongoing war in Gaza and the escalation of violence in Lebanon are concerning. On the other hand, rising tensions between Israel and Iran make the Mediterranean and West Asia susceptible to volatility and crisis. The rising migration flows from sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia to Europe highlight the region’s humanitarian and security challenges. In these unpredictable times, there is an urgent need for dialogue and cooperation in the region.

Geopolitical Context:

The MED plans to revitalise the existing way of things in the region through the ideas and proposals put forth here, forming a “positive agenda.” It attempts to address security and socio-economic problems with the vision of its people. Countries such as European, West Asian nations, and North African states come under this Mediterranean region. However, the entire power dynamic in this area is complicated by conflicting interests among the Mediterranean powers—Turkey, Egypt, France, and Gulf states—which jeopardises any cooperative effort.

India at MED 2024

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also attended the Rome Mediterranean Dialogue. He had a set of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of France, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Croatia that included discussions regarding the present situation relating to Russia and Ukraine through diplomacy as well as his country’s involvement in supporting sovereignty in Ukraine and cooperation and refreshing missile strikes of Russia and Indo-Pacific affairs with the counterpart. Bilateral ties dominated talks with Lebanon and Croatia. Jaishankar addressed connectivity initiatives, like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during the conference, but focused much more on the significance of the I2U2 grouping. He also talked about the West Asia crisis and appealed for ceasefires, respect for international humanitarian law, and condemnation of terrorism​

3. Strategic Analysis:

Geopolitical Implications:

The conference will play a vital role in addressing the ongoing conflicts and the diverse challenges in the region, ranging from conflicts to migration to environmental issues.

• The conference plays a vital role in addressing the ongoing conflicts and the diverse challenges in the region, ranging from conflicts to migration to environmental issues.
• The ongoing conflicts require cooperative mediation frameworks, including all state and non-state actors, alongside NATO and the EU.

– Economic Impact:

• It will promote investment in some sectors, like infrastructure and sustainability, to reduce economic and socio-economic gaps in the region.
• Public-private partnerships as well as regional economic compacts contribute to direct foreign investments.

– Security Implications:

Italy and the EU are facing the challenge of an increase in migration. The migration inflows are particularly from the North African nations; therefore, they must develop strategies to tackle migration by balancing their border security and humanitarian duty.

4. Scenario Analysis:

– Best-Case Scenario:

The dialogue results in a holistic cooperative framework for economic and security challenges. The growth increase in infrastructure projects and green energy initiatives will produce stable growth that will eventually reduce disparity.

– Most Likely Scenario:

There is some positive momentum regarding the issues of migration and economic inequality; however, it gets hampered due to political power play.

– Worst-Case Scenario:

Geopolitical tension made regional conflicts more intense. Without proper strategy and cooperation, the most important problems could not be dealt with.

5. Strategic Recommendations:

– Diplomatic Recommendations:

• Encourage inclusive dialogue frameworks that include all Mediterranean stakeholders.

– Economic Recommendations:

• Advocate for an EU-Mediterranean economic pact that could be drawn along the lines of encouragement toward renewable energy business initiatives and improvement in trade connectivity.

– Security Recommendations:

• Strengthen frameworks in maritime security and border security frameworks against illegal trafficking and migration into the energy-critical routes.

– Policy Recommendations:

• Promote International or regional education programs for youth: Engaging youth to fight unemployment and more skill development.

6. Conclusion:

The Mediterranean, which encompasses Southern Europe, North Africa, and the West Asia, is a region of immense geopolitical, economic, and cultural importance. The region is fraught with challenges such as regional conflicts, migration crises, and economic inequality, necessitating coordinated efforts to foster stability and growth. The MED dialogue is an effort towards revitalising regional cooperation on critical global issues.