Med Dialogues 2025: Only Dialogue Can Shape a Common Future
Last week, I had the privilege of participating in two closed strategic forums under Med Dialogues 2025, organised by ISPI – Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale, in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. These conversations—held behind closed doors to encourage candour and depth—brought together policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and regional experts to address some of the most pressing challenges shaping the Mediterranean’s future.
Digital Stability in an Era of Uncertainty
In the session on Digital Stability, we examined how Europe and the broader region can secure resilient digital corridors in the face of rising geopolitical instability. With the Mediterranean hosting critical submarine cables and data routes, its digital environment is increasingly exposed to conflict, sabotage, and political fragmentation.
Our discussions centred on:
- The strategic vulnerabilities of submarine cables and cross-border data flows
- The need for shared governance models to manage digital interdependence
- The importance of equitable investment frameworks that do not leave parts of the region behind
- The growing role of regional instability in shaping Europe’s digital resilience
Digital stability is no longer a technical or infrastructure issue alone—it is a geopolitical imperative.
Thinking Strategically About Libya’s Future
The second session focused on Libya’s geopolitical and economic trajectory, bringing together international and Libyan experts to reflect on the status quo and explore realistic pathways for stabilisation.
The discussion explored:
- Libya’s evolving political dynamics
- Economic fragmentation and potential for recovery
- Regional and international roles in supporting stability
- Strategic opportunities for Libya to become a pillar of Mediterranean security, rather than a zone of prolonged uncertainty
What emerged was a shared understanding that Libya’s reintegration into regional economic and political frameworks is essential—not only for Libyans but for the stability of the entire Mediterranean basin.
A Unifying Message: The Mediterranean as a Bridge
Across both forums, one message echoed strongly: The Mediterranean is not a boundary—it is a bridge.
Its future will depend on our ability to foster trust, deepen dialogue, and build systems of governance that recognise the shared fate of the region’s three shores:
- European,
- North African, and
- Levantine.
Only through collective action, interconnected policy frameworks, and sustained conversation can we achieve stability, connectivity, and sustainable development for all.
Med Dialogues 2025 reaffirmed that dialogue is not just valuable—it is indispensable. The challenges are shared, and so must be the solutions.