The Mediterranean basin is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world due to the impacts of climate change interrelated consequences, its precarious socio-economic conditions, and its fragile political systems. In parallel, the energy scenario in the region is changing rapidly, with a decreased energy demand in Europe and on the other hand a growing energy demand in the Southern Mediterranean basin. Moreover, the recent hydrocarbon discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean basin, the creation of a gas spot market and the impact of renewable energies on the existing market mechanisms, are all suggesting the need for a more integrated Euro Mediterranean Energy System, along the South-North and East-West axes.

Given the peculiarities and the new scenario characterizing the Mediterranean region and that climate change and energy are two cross boundary issues – the energy sector being the source of two-thirds of global greenhouse-gas emissions – a regional comprehensive approach is necessary for a serious rethink of the entire climate and energy policy framework. In order to reach a coherent policy design, the strong involvement of all regional stakeholders: decision makers, scientists, communication specialists, international organizations and international financial institutions – based on a new cooperation paradigm – is highly recommended.

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Policy Session organized by FEEM, International Center for Climate Governance (ICCG), Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) in the framework of the 5th World Congress of Environmental and Resources Economists.