Stability and Economic Integration: The Strategic Imperative of the Mediterranean

Nasser Kamel, the outgoing Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), argues that the stability of the 43-member regional forum is no longer a peripheral concern but a central pillar of Europe’s own geopolitical and economic future.

Kamel, who has led the Barcelona-based organization for the past eight years, concludes his tenure as the region grapples with heightened political volatility, climate-driven resource strain, and complex social challenges. The UfM remains the only regional platform where all 43 nations, including Israel and Palestinian representatives, maintain a dialogue under a joint European-Jordanian co-presidency.

The Mediterranean as a Geopolitical Priority

The UfM serves as a multilateral framework designed to facilitate this cooperation. Despite the intense political friction between various member states, the forum provides a rare, consistent channel for technical and environmental diplomacy.

Addressing Climate and Social Instability

The Future of the Union for the Mediterranean

As Kamel prepares for his retirement, the organization faces a critical transition period. The UfM’s operational model, which relies on consensus among 43 diverse nations, is frequently tested by conflicts in the Middle East and the shifting priorities of EU member states. However, the institution’s persistence in Barcelona underscores a broader consensus: the Mediterranean cannot be managed as a series of isolated bilateral relationships.

Strategic Continuity

While the political climate remains difficult, the administrative and technical cooperation between the 43 members serves as a stabilizer for the region’s long-term economic architecture.