On March 27 in Rome, MEDREG Director Hasan Ozkoc moderated a Technical Session on “Euro-Mediterranean Energy Cooperation”, exploring the mutual benefits of regional interconnection. Held under the patronage of the Italian Government and the European Commission, the session was part of the event “The Mattei Plan for Africa and the EU Global Gateway: A Common Effort with the African Continent.” Aimed at strengthening joint efforts with African partners and the African Union, and supported by International Financial Institutions (IFIs), the event followed the 2024 Italy-Africa Summit and coincided with the renewed EU leadership. Bringing together high-level policymakers and private sector representatives, Mr. Ozkoc introduced the session by highlighting the relevance of the Euro-Mediterranean region in the new global context, in particular for energy security, and acknowledged the key role of political partnerships in framing Euro-Mediterranean energy initiatives.

Nicola Verola, Director General for Europe and International Trade Policy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presented Italy’s perspectives toward Nord Africa and Mediterranean integration through the Mattei Plan, underlining the new bilateral MoUs on energy and key initiatives positioning Italy as EU energy hub such as the TSI and ELMED projects. He stressed the positive socio-economic impact of these projects, particularly in skill development and human capital growth, while underlining the benefits of interconnections for southern Mediterranean countries. For his part, Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) at the European Commission, presented the EU perspectives toward Nord Africa and Mediterranean integration. He shared insights on the EU strategic pillars and the objective of moving gradually from natural gas toward renewables deployment and hydrogen. In addition, he underlined the essential role of collaboration among actors to close existing gaps simultaneously in policies, technologies, project development, regulation, and financing areas.