With the intention of involving both personalities belonging to the institutional, university and research fields, as well as think tanks, the project, taking into consideration the three masts of the SHADE MED ship, focuses on the analysis of thalasso dynamics, thalasso-economic and security policies currently present in the Mediterranean. By following a progressive virtual “zoom”, we intend to begin from the geopolitical scenario and international relations, to move on to a more specific analysis of the security architecture and security dynamics in place in the Mediterranean basin, concluding with a third possible track linked to energy and economic issues, and at least the theme of illicit trafficking. The aim of these initiatives is to offer a framework for the study of the current Mediterranean scenario, a topic naturally linked with Operation EUNAVFORMED IRINI.
Program Road to SHADE MED 2021
Seminar and Webinar at SIOI, 19 April 2021, Rome – PM: “The European Common Security and Defence Policy in Libya (CSDP)”
Abstract: The European Union (EU) is currently undertaking a strategic review of the CSDP in order to adapt them to challenges of the current geopolitical environment. Europe’s strategic environment has changed radically and is surrounded by an arc of instability. The most visible EU commitments to international peace and security remain its missions and operations deployed outside the Union. Missions under the CSDP can have a military or civilian nature and can be focused on goals such rule of law, reform, stabilization, fighting organized crime, and reform of the security sector. CSDP is currently being adapted to the EU’s integrated approach to conflict prevention, which envisions much closer coordination between the relevant EU actors and instruments during all stages of a conflict. In the security and defence field, the EU’s common security and defence policy instruments, particularly its missions and operations abroad, are the most visible manifestation of its maritime actorness. In following the orientations provided by its maritime and global strategies, the EU is aiming to increase its capacity and reliability as a maritime security actor.
The conference aims to underline the CSDP lessons learned and main trends in Libya, in particular through the Eunavfor Med IRINI and EUBAM Libya experiences.
Organizer: Società Italiana per l’organizzazione Internazionale (SIOI) in collaboration with Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI
Opening Speech: Franco Frattini, SIOI President
Moderator: Alberto Castelvecchi, Adjunct professor Luiss Business School, expert on security, intelligence and military studies
Three speakers:
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Webinar: 28 April 2021, H 15:00 – “The new geopolitical challenges in an evolving Mediterranean”
Abstract: The changes and the fractures that have occurred in the MENA area have brought the Mediterranean back at the center of the attention of global and regional powers. The webinar will analyze the new political scenarios and the new geopolitical challenges and trends.
Organizer: OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in collaboration with The Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan, La Sapienza University of Rome (TBC)
Opening Speech: Real Admiral Fabio Agostini, (OPERATION COMMANDER EUNAVFOR MED IRINI)
Moderator: Alessia Ardesi, journalist expert in International Cooperation and Relations
Three speakers:
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Seminar and/or Webinar: 11 May 2021, H 14:30 – “The new role of the Mediterranean as an energy and commercial hub”
Abstract: The Mediterranean Sea is a space where we are witnessing contraction of key commercial sectors as tourism and transports, challenges to the shipping community but also the rethinking of energy choices. It accounts for only one percent of the world’s oceans, but generates around 15% of global maritime traffic and 20% of related economic value and that makes it a fundamental global socio/economic crossroad. Nevertheless, it remains the least integrated region in the world. In fact, some of the biggest economic disparities among neighbourly regions, globally, are noted between the two shores of the Mediterranean.
Organizer: The Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan, in collaboration OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI
Location: The Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan
Institutional welcomes:
Introduction and moderator: Prof. Riccardo Redaelli, Director of the CRiSSMA – Center of Research on the Southern System and the Wider Mediterranean of the Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan
Four Speakers:
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Seminar and/or Webinar 17 & 18 May 2021: “Mediterranean session of advanced strategic studies for 5 + 5 young graduates”
Abstract: The seminar for young officers is part of “5 + 5 Defence Initiative’s” which is a forum for multilateral cooperation between the two shores of the western Mediterranean. Bringing together five states from the southern shore of the Mediterranean (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia) and five states from the northern shore (France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain), it constitutes a preferential framework promoting mutual knowledge and discussions on common security issues in the 5 + 5 area. The aim of the seminar 2021 is to promote cooperation between young graduates from the area by making them aware of common challenges, risks and opportunities.
Organizer: Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies
Location: Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies – Toulon (France)
Operation IRINI Representativer: RADM (FRA Navy) Jean-Michel MARTINET – Deputy Operation Commander
Note: Concluded
Webinar: 26 May 2021 – “A strategic compass for a Mediterranean maritime security”
Abstract: The Mediterranean basin is facing different geopolitical, economic social and ecological challenges and transformations which inevitably affect the traditional security architecture. In this context it is important that EU and NATO rethink the strategic compass to deal with these transformations offering new perspectives for an inclusive and comprehensive maritime security vision.
Organizer: OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in collaboration with La Sapienza University of Rome, NATO Defense College Foundation
Opening Speech: Real Admiral Fabio Agostini, (OPERATION COMMANDER EUNAVFOR MED IRINI)
Moderator: Alessia Ardesi, (journalist expert in International Cooperation and Relations)
Four speakers:
Daniel Fiott (Security and Defence Editor at the EU Institute for Security Studies – EUISS);
Amb. Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo (Former Deputy Secretary General at NATO, NATO Defense College Foundation President);
Admiral James G. “Jamie” Foggo, USN (ret);
Captain (EL N) Stathis Kyriakidis (Head of Division OPS Coordination, EUMS and Deputy Director EU CMP Maritime Area of Interest Coordination Cell (MAICC));
Captain (N) Hans HUYGENS (Div Hd Strategic Foresight & Planning OPS Directorate European Union Military Staff (EUMS)).
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Webinar: 16 June 2021 – “Health Diplomacy in the Mediterranean Region”
Abstract: Vaccine diplomacy, or the use of vaccine supplies as a tool of soft power projection, has entered the political dictionary. In a world where COVID-19 has been taking a terrifying human and financial toll, vaccine supplies promise relief and interact with pre-existing politics and foreign policy priorities. Some countries have sought to enhance their influence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a number of high-profile vaccine deals. Europe, through the multilateral COVAX initiative, is well placed to lead the field in this marathon, and it might strengthen bilateral initiatives and coordination with the new US administration.
Organizer: OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, in collaboration with La Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Social Science and Economics (DISSE) and Department of Political Science (DPS) and The Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan, SIOI, ROME
Opening Speech: Real Admiral Fabio Agostini (OPERATION COMMANDER EUNAVFOR MED IRINI)
Moderator: Flavia Giacobbe (Formiche/AirPress Editor in Chief)
Three speakers:
Moritz Rudolf (Researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs);
Roie Yellinek (Researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute);
Olivier Bailly (Head of the EU Task Force on vaccine strategy, EEAS).
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Webinar: 7 July 2021 – “Migration and illicit trafficking in the Mediterranean”
Abstract: Growing conflicts, socio-economic instability, ethnic-religious discrimination, human rights violations and gender-based violence are shaking the Mediterranean, causing an increase in organized crime, illicit trafficking and migration flows.
Organizer: OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in collaboration with The Catholic University of the S. Heart, Milan, La Sapienza University of Rome
Opening Speech: RADM (FRA Navy) Jean-Michel MARTINET – IRINI’s Deputy Operation Commander
Moderator: Pierluigi Montalbano (Director of the Master in Migration and Development, La Sapienza University of Rome);
Four speakers :
Emanuela Del Re (EU Special Representative for the Sahel);
Chiara Cardoletti (Chief of Mission for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino – UNHCR);
Laurence Hart (Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean-Chief of Mission for Italy and Malta- Representative for the Holy See, IOM);
Emma Bajardi (Project Manager Fondazione Francesca Rava – N.P.H. Italia Onlus).
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Webinar: 1 September 2021 – “New Directions in Maritime Security”
Abstract: Increasingly, the Mediterranean faces new maritime security challenges that go beyond – but also impact – conventional conflict, criminal trafficking, migration and energy development. Climate Change has threatened the region with major economic and social disruption from risk to water supply and extremes of weather. The need to decarbonize shipping and embrace a post-petrol economy will have substantial impacts on the wealth and possibly political stability of petrochemical-producing states. The shift towards rare earth elements as the core of military power may also have implications for global competition and naval power. Cyber technologies have been extensively used to impact and disrupt the freedom of navigation and the freedom of commerce, from GPS jamming and spoofing, cyber-driven physical damage to complex systems, to disinformation and ransomware. Of course, these challenges overlay the use of the seas for trafficking and other illicit activities. This panel explores these new dynamics and considers how key stakeholders in maritime security can best respond.
Organizer: MARCOM in collaboration with OPERATION EUNAVFOR MED IRINI
Opening Speech: VADM Keith Blount CB OBE Royal Navy, Commander, Allied Maritime Command
Moderator: Prof James Bergeron, Political Advisor, Allied Maritime Command
Five speakers:
Real Admiral Fabio Agostini, (OPERATION COMMANDER EUNAVFOR MED IRINI);
Dr Fotios Moustakis, Director, Centre for Seapower and Security Studies, Plymouth University;
Mr Chronis Kapalidis, Information Security Forum and Warwick University;
Professor Alessio Patalano, Professor of War and Strategy in East Asia, King’s College London;
Pierluigi Barberini, Security and Defence analyst at Ce.S.I.
Note: Concluded. Record of the event available in the SHADE MED 2021 video gallery.
Other events/seminars
Additional events and seminars organized by EUNAVFOR MED IRINI or by others may occasionally be included in the approach path to SHADE MED 2021 in order to build a valid and shared knowledge base on the relevant issues of the Mediterranean area.
