On 3 December, the Association of Mediterranean Energy Regulators (MEDREG) hosted a high-level discussion in Brussels titled “Shaping the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Market: Progress and Prospects“. As the Mediterranean region is becoming increasingly crucial for European energy security and the sustainable energy transition, the event exposed the key milestones achieved by MEDREG Members serving these goals and outlined the next strategic priorities guided by insights from industry leaders, investors, decision-makers, and international institutions.

“MEDREG is a cornerstone of regulatory cooperation, dedicated to building a resilient and sustainable energy future throughout the Mediterranean,” stated the President of MEDREG, Mr. Abdellatif Bardach. “We are gathered here in Brussels, at the heart of the European policy, to highlight the corridor we have created for an accelerated energy transition and unified policies, fostering a robust energy community grounded in shared prosperity and collaboration. Under Morocco’s presidency, MEDREG has extended its reach beyond borders, bridging the African, Arab, and the Atlantic region through a powerful network of partnerships. With continued support and leadership of its members, MEDREG is poised to amplify these achievements, bringing stability, innovation, and growth to our entire region”.

In the first panel moderated by MEDREG Director Hasan Ozkoc, MEDREG’s Southern members highlighted their recent market reforms and advancements which, thanks to the support provided by MEDREG, contribute to meeting national energy needs and driving the sustainable energy transition in the Mediterranean, harnessing regional regulatory cooperation.

The Egyptian Gas Regulatory Authority GASREG described how it reinforced its technical and regulatory capacity to develop Egypt’s gas market thanks to its experience sharing with MEDREG peers on third-party access and market monitoring.  For its part, the Jordanian Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) informed about the ongoing modernisation of Jordan’s distribution network through the deployment of storage, smart meters, and smart grids, in light of the best practices shared by Portugal. The Algerian Regulatory Authority of Hydrocarbons (ARH) also praised MEDREG for the key role the Association played in tightening the relationships among regulatory peers, building capacity, and providing valuable advice to the Algerian regulator, which is doubling its regulatory workforce.

Moderated by Stefano Besseghini, Permanent Vice President of MEDREG and President of the Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA), the second panel addressed the deployment of hydrogen and clean technologies to deliver the Trans-Mediterranean Energy Initiative. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) exposed Morocco’s strategy and its Green Hydrogen Offer launched last March, which attracted almost 40 applicants from all over the world, thanks to a transparent and clear process for investors. Insights from Edison, the Organisation Méditerranéenne de l’Energie et du Climat, the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided a picture of the current hydrogen policies, innovative projects and technological advancement rolled out in the Mediterranean region. The rich exchanges also outlined the insufficient infrastructure, which is hindering or slowing down energy trade in the region, calling for greater cooperation between the energy stakeholders around the Mediterranean.