NAVIGATING BETWEEN CLIMATE ACTION AND ENERGY SECURITY: A SHARED AGENDA FOR THE EU AND EU’S SOUTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD

The challenge of balancing energy security and climate change has become increasingly acute in recent years. As the demand for energy continues to increase, and amid geopolitical changes, countries face a growing need to secure their energy supplies. However, this must be done in a way that does not compromise efforts to address the global threat of climate change, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, the main source of global energy. Policymakers are faced with the difficult task of finding ways to transition to low-carbon energy systems and increase energy efficiency, while also ensuring that energy security is not compromised. The shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is still in its early stages and requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology, making the transition away from fossil fuels costly and challenging.

This dilemma between climate change and energy security is a complex issue with significant implications for the global community, including the EU, and the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood countries. These actors face similar challenges; bilateral cooperation could potentially be a key solution to promote sustainable and resilient energy systems. By working together, they can pool their resources and expertise to advance the transition to low-carbon energy systems and promote energy security. However, this bilateral cooperation also faces challenges, such as the lack of coordination and coherence among the different actors involved. Each region has its own priorities and interests that can hinder cooperation on climate change and energy transition. Therefore, there is a need for a shared vision and common goals that can guide cooperation and ensure that all parties benefit from the outcomes.

Against this backdrop, this VII Euromed Young Researchers Forum aims to foster a dialogue among young researchers, policymakers, and experts on the complex issues related to climate action and energy security. It will provide an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of COP28 and the implications for the EU and countries in the MENA region to identify areas where further action and collaboration are needed, while it will also enable young researchers to showcase and exchange their innovative research solutions and initiatives on the dilemma between climate action and energy security, in view of inspiring and mobilising further action by governments, civil society, and the private sector and to foster a common agenda for the EU and the countries in the MENA region.

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