Rationale The Mediterranean region is one of the most severely affected by climate change. A drastic move towards sustainable production and consumption patterns is urgently needed. The energy sector plays a relevant role in the transition towards sustainable development. The EU has clearly embarked in a trajectory towards carbon neutrality by 2050. But the EU strategy can become fully effective only if its closest neighbours follow a similar path, as recalled by the 2021 EC Communication “A new Agenda for the Mediterranean”. This requires strengthened cooperation at regional level. The Ministerial Declaration on Energy, issued in June 2021 by the Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) represents an important step forward in the realization of a just, secure and fair energy transition in the Mediterranean countries, in line with the SDG7 objectives and the Paris Agreement. The Declaration identifies a series of overarching objectives and highlights the need to enhance regional cooperation. The proposed event will discuss the role of the main Mediterranean energy stakeholders in fostering energy and climate transition. It will provide an assessment of current progress, identify the main challenges and needs, and quantify the benefits along the sustainable development dimension. It will discuss how regional energy cooperation can help meet the carbon neutrality goal in the Euro-Mediterranean area, what are the main needs and the already available instruments that can best accompany the transition, as reflected in the Roadmap for Action developed under the UfM umbrella.
Programme Opening
Mr. Marco Berti Palazzi, International Relations and Enlargement Unit, DG Energy, European Commission
The road to net zero carbon in the Mediterranean: progresses, challenges and benefits
Ms. Lisa Guarrera, Director of the Monitoring and Modeling Division, OME
Energy Stakeholders dialogue: “On the road to net zero carbon: progress, challenges and the role of regional cooperation
Moderator Mr. Kamel Benaceur, CEO Nomadia Energy
Discussants
Mr. Grammenos Mastrojeni, Deputy Secretary General, UfMs
Ms. Roberta Boniotti, Secretary General, MEDENER
Mr. Jauad El Kharraz, Executive Director, RCREEE
Mr. Angelo Ferrante, Secretary General, MED-TSO
Mr. Hasan Özkoç, Director, MEDREG
Ms. Houda Ben Jannet, General Director, OME
Interactive Q&A session
Conclusions and closure
Mr. Lapo Pistelli, Chairman OME
