From the 18th to the 20th June 2025, AHEAD participated in the Anna Lindh Foundation Forum that brought together over 800 representatives of the civil society organisations from the 43 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in Tirana, Albania.

Organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation, an intergovernmental organisation committed to intercultural cooperation across the Mediterranean region, the Forum convened civil society organisations, youth leaders, media, policymakers, and institutional actors to address shared regional challenges through structured discussions and thematic sessions.

In the framework of the Forum, AHEAD co-organised the session (Re)thinking Mediterranean Diplomacy: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation.

This panel, that took place on the first day of the event to set the scene,  provided a space for critical reflection on the current state of Mediterranean diplomacy and the possibilities for greater cohesion across the region.

The discussion assessed whether the Mediterranean is—or can be—treated as a cohesive diplomatic entity, highlighting successful models and strategies that foster regional cooperation.

It also explored how civil society can actively contribute to a more inclusive and responsive Mediterranean framework. The session highlighted the importance of civil society as both a driver and a bridge in shaping the future of Mediterranean cooperation.

The session enriched ongoing policy dialogues, strengthen multilateral approaches, and generated fresh ideas for practical implementation by bringing diverse perspectives across the Euro-Med region. 

 

The Mediterranean region remains a mosaic of geopolitical, economic, and social complexity. Despite deep historical ties and interdependence, it is still approached as a fragmented landscape rather than a unified space in many sectors. This segmentation has hindered effective cooperation on critical regional issues such as conflict resolution, climate adaptation, security, and economic integration.

The session evidenced that only a few states and intergovernmental structures currently treat the Mediterranean as a cohesive entity, with policies and frameworks primarily organised along subregional or thematic lines. This structural fragmentation prevents the region from harnessing its full cooperative potential. In the face of multiplying global crises, civil society and policy actors must work together to reframe the Mediterranean as a geopolitical space and a cohesive diplomatic actor. By promoting shared identity, reforming institutional approaches, and rethinking some platforms, this session aims to inspire action for a more collaborative Mediterranean future, especially vital for civil society actors whose work transcends borders.

The Forum offered a dynamic platform for dialogue, exchange, and joint action. AHEAD was honour to contribute with its expertise to generate synergies among civil society organisations in the Euro-Mediterranean area.