The Mediterranean region is going through one of its most important transformations of modern times. The rise of new leaderships, the emergence of democracies and the persistence of violent conflicts represent a major challenge in one of the most dynamic regions of the world.

These challenges and the ways to reinvigorate Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the framework of the economic crisis in Europe were discussed at the EuroMeSCo Annual Conference 2012.

The plenary sessions focused on what economic policies should be implemented to promote development in the region and on the need to engage with new economic, social and political actors.  The role of research institutes and think tanks in guiding the policies and providing advice to governments and Euro-Mediterranean institutions was also discussed.

Three parallel working sessions explored the internal dynamic in countries of the Arab Spring and the role of civil society, the geostrategic consequences of the Arab Spring, and, finally, the role of supranational and international institutions to promote Euro-Mediterranean relations, including the Union for the Mediterranean.