SHADE MED 2024 XIII edition
On the 5th of December, Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI hosted the 13th edition of the “Shared Awareness and De- confliction in the Mediterranean” (SHADE MED) Conference. This year’s conference theme was “Future challenges in the Mediterranean”. The conference was aimed at promoting a debate amongst the participants regarding the common challenges to face in the Mediterranean. As last year, the event was co-organized with the NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM). Local crises and conflicts are more likely to become a global matter in such interconnected world. The increasing uncertainties, faced nowadays, are described as a permanent crisis. Mediterranean, as cross-roads between continents, continues to face multiple challenges, such as illicit trafficking of weapons, oil, drugs and human smuggling. Within such a complex security environment, it is crucial to foster partnership. Indeed, a shared strategy, in addressing common goals, ensures an effective delivery on peace, security and defense matters. Hence, how can the collaborative maritime domain awareness, rules-based cooperation and respect of international law be strengthened. The conference has been enriched by the presence of high-level speakers, who provided detailed insights and answers, aimed at fostering the debate on the EU and NATO’s common challenges and the EU role as a global Maritime Security provider.
The main panel, titled “Weathering the storm: EU and NATO in the South”, delved into the challenges that the EU and NATO are facing in the Southern Flank, with a focus on the Middle East and external interference dynamics in North Africa and Sahel.
SHADE MED Conference forum represents an example of the EU’s willingness to approach the Mediterranean security debate. Much more than a mere international gathering, SHADE MED Conference is an excellent occasion to covey knowledge and experiences, promoting dialogue and collaboration, among representatives from several nations and organizations, bordering the Mediterranean area.
When we act together, we lay the foundation for a peaceful present and future, benefiting both our citizens and our allies. In a context where complex geopolitical conflicts are back on the agenda, merging as a pressing issue, events like SHADE MED serve as a vital reminder that no State alone can achieve security on its own. European Union and MARCOM through integrated approach reinforce their commitment to achieve peace and stability in maritime domain.
