The 12^th edition of the Conference SHADE MED 2023 – “Shared Awareness and De-confliction in the Mediterranean Sea”, took place in Rome on the 06^th and the 07^th of December. The event, co-organized with the NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, saw the participation of high-level speakers who drew a picture of the complex situation that the Mediterranean region is experiencing.

In these two fruitful days, we had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from international organizations, such as NATO, UNHCR, INTERPOL, from the EU, like EEAS (External Action Service) including EUMS (Military Staff), EUISS (Institute for Security Studies), FRONTEX (Border and Coast Guard Agency) and scholars from the CHDS (Italian Center for Higher Defense Studies) and many others, renowned guests and knowledgeable participants including Officers, Diplomats, Academics, and students from 31 countries.

The SHADE MED conference is a clear example of the EU’s willingness to effectively address the Mediterranean security debate. The forum is open to representatives from different Nations and organizations focusing on this key area of common interest. SHADE MED is a unique opportunity to meet other professionals, to exchange best practices and to share experiences gained studying or operating in the Mediterranean Region. Shade MED is an open forum bridging three continents from North to South end East to West. Taken as exemplary reference by the latest EU Maritime Security Strategy as an outstanding mechanism for sharing awareness and great tool for multilateral engagement.